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A cable network spanning almost half the length of the
equator
Paris, April 27, 2007 – Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU)
and NEC Corporation (NEC) (NASDAQ: NIPNY) will jointly deploy the Asia America
Gateway (AAG), the first direct Terabit submarine cable network between
Southeast Asia and the United States. Spanning over 20,000 km, AAG will link
Malaysia to the U.S. via Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the
Philippines, Guam, Hawaii and the West coast of the U.S. Worth approximately
USD 500 million, the contract will deliver a cable network spanning almost half
the length of the equator.
The turnkey contract was signed today with a consortium formed by 10 parties
including the Government of Brunei, AT&T (USA), Bharti (India), CAT
(Thailand), PLDT (Philippines), PT Telkom (Indonesia), Telekom Malaysia
(Malaysia), Telstra (Australia), StarHub (Singapore) and VNPT (Vietnam).
Alcatel-Lucent and NEC will design, manufacture, install, integrate and
commission the full network on a turnkey basis. The project is scheduled to be
completed by late 2008.
The new cable network is expected to meet the forecasted explosive growth in
bandwidth requirements for new and revolutionary broadband applications such as
IP,video,data, and other multimedia services. In addition to providing full
network diversity from the conventional cable routes, which are normally
connected via North Asia, the AAG will provide a seamless direct link between
the U.S. and other Asian countries via one single cable. Furthermore, it will
provide connectivity and the ability to be expanded in the future to Australia,
India, Africa, and Europe. International communications between the countries
involved has been growing rapidly, and is expected to benefit greatly from the
enhanced connectivity offered by the new cable network.
“This award further increases the significant track-record we have developed
since the beginning of the year and confirms our leadership in the submarine
cable industry. AAG will help operators leverage a state-of-the art submarine
infrastructure for the end-users benefit,” stated Jean Godeluck, President of
Alcatel-Lucent’s submarine network activity. “We are confident that this new
project, rolled out in association with NEC, will further enable voice and data
communications, which are vital to support social and economic
development.”
"NEC’s award of the contract for the Asia America Gateway Cable Network
confirms our leadership in submarine cable construction and our dedication to
building an unmatched network in the Asia Pacific region. NEC is confident that
our partnership with Alcatel-Lucent brings leading technology and field-proven
expertise, empowering our customers to provide the most advanced and reliable
services to the end users," said Masamichi Imai, Executive General Manager
of the Broadband Networks Operations Unit at NEC Corporation.
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) is one of the world's leading providers of
Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to
meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. NEC
delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and
electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks,
and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics
Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 150,000 people worldwide. For
additional information, please visit the NEC home page at:  http://www.nec.com
About NEC’s Submarine Network Systems
NEC Corporation is a leading supplier of the world’s most advanced submarine
network systems - platforms vital to the realization of next generation
networks. With over 30 years of experience in supplying total submarine cable
solutions to customers in Japan and abroad, NEC brings a wealth of
technologies, know-how and resources to each new project. In particular, NEC
has managed the construction of nearly all of the cable systems available today
in Asia and the Asia Pacific 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 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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