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Paris, March 22, 2007 - Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU)
and Mediterranean Nautilus Limited, a broadband network service provider owned
by Telecom Italia Sparkle, have further strengthened their cooperation, after
successfully inaugurating the first regional dense wavelength division
multiplexing (DWDM) submarine network in the Mediterranean Sea. Under the terms
of a turnkey, multi-million Euro contract, Alcatel-Lucent will upgrade and
extend the existing submarine network which began service in 2001. As a result,
MedNautilus will benefit from extra capacity and a new route to support the
accelerated regional growth in broadband data services and applications.
The current submarine network broke new ground for emerging data services in
the region such as high-speed Internet access, managed hosting and storage
networking. Spanning approximately 6,000 km, it is an interlocking loop that
links Italy, Greece, Turkey and Israel providing seamless broadband
connectivity to business and residential users.
With completion scheduled in the fourth quarter 2007, the new, two-phase
project will further enhance the hub located in Cyprus enabling MedNautilus to
meet the island’s and neighboring countries’ increased capacity requirements.
In the first phase, Alcatel-Lucent will upgrade to 10 Gbit/s the submarine link
providing direct connection between Mazara del Vallo in Sicily, Italy, to
Yeroskipos, Cyprus. In the second phase, a new branching unit will be deployed
in Pentaskhinos to add a new connection from Cyprus to the existing
infrastructure.
“We are focused on enhancing capacity and connectivity for maximum
effectiveness to best serve our customers, while capitalizing on our existing
infrastructure,” said Francesco Nanotti, CEO of Mediterranean Nautilus.
“Alcatel-Lucent continues to be a valued partner to help us take a new step in
our regional and global capabilities in the timelines required.”
“As broadband adoption rates continue growing, we are delivering to
Mediterranean Nautilus the most advanced submarine technology to meet new
service demands,” affirmed Jean Godeluck, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s
submarine network activity. “Our submarine solutions offer the flexibly and
reliability our customers require to support the cost-effective delivery of
innovative services.”
The Alcatel-Lucent solution will be based on the 1620 Light Manager
next-generation DWDM submarine platform, managed by the existing Alcatel-Lucent
1350 management. Alcatel-Lucent will also offer a comprehensive suite of
professional services, including project management, engineering, marine
operation, and installation testing and commissioning.
About Mediterranean Nautilus
Mediterranean Nautilus Limited is an Irish based company fully owned by Telecom
Italia Sparkle. Mediterranean Nautilus owns and operates the only
telecommunication submarine cable ring in the Mediterranean, which has been in
operation since 2001. The MedNautilus network provides end-to-end connectivity
from the eastern part of the Mediterranean to major destinations in Europe and
is the leading provider in the region.
About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) provides solutions that enable
service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, to deliver voice,
data and video communication services to end-users. As a leader in fixed,
mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications, and
services, Alcatel-Lucent offers the end-to-end solutions that enable compelling
communications services for people at home, at work and on the move. With
operations in more than 130 countries, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with
global reach. The company has the most experienced global services team in the
industry, and one of the largest research, technology and innovation
organizations in the telecommunications industry. Alcatel-Lucent achieved
adjusted proforma revenues of Euro 18.3 billion in 2006 and is incorporated in
France, with executive offices located in Paris. [All figures exclude impact of
activities to be transferred to Thales]. For more information, visit
Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com
Contact the Alcatel-Lucent Press Office: press@alcatel-lucent.com
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