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Alcatel launches new broadband access platform certified by the Metro Ethernet Forum


WEBWIRE

Paris, April 10, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced the launch of the Alcatel 1521 Copper Line IP (CLIP) platform, a new product that extends the reach of native Ethernet services to business sites that are currently not served with fiber connectivity. The Alcatel 1521 enables service providers to maximize the investment in their existing copper infrastructure and to deliver high-speed symmetrical business data services across existing copper pairs.

The Alcatel 1521 CLIP is a carrier-class platform, which offers up to 45 Mbps symmetrical bandwidth over twisted copper pairs for business applications and/or Ethernet backhaul for mini-DSLAMs, wireless hotspots, or mobile radio towers. Compact and easy to install, the 1521 CLIP can be deployed on a per-customer basis, which makes it ideal for low scale applications. It is a native Ethernet solution based on the new Ethernet standard, IEEE 802.3ah, which adapts Ethernet for deployment in service provider copper access networks.

The Alcatel 1521CLIP also offers a backhauling solution for broadband wireless access networks, such as 3G/ HSDPA or WiMAX solutions. Alcatel is at the forefront of the WiMAX market with its new IP-native Evolium® WiMAX solution - based on IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard -that supports fixed, nomadic and mobile usage. Thanks to its simple architecture, capacity and native Ethernet standard, the 1521 CLIP complements other WIMAX backhauling solutions such as the Alcatel ISAM or the Alcatel 9400 AWY/9500 MXC/9600 USY digital microwave radio links.

The Alcatel 1521 CLIP has been certified as compliant with the Metro Ethernet Forum’s (MEF) Global Carrier Ethernet Service Definitions. Iometrix, the Metro Ethernet certification lab, tested the Alcatel 1521 CLIP platform and confirmed its compliance with all service definitions set in the 9 MEF technical specifications for Ethernet services.

“MEF certification provides carriers with the assurance that the platforms they use or plan to use comply to a common set of technical specifications,” said Bob Mandeville, President of Iometrix. “Certification is an important step in the life-cycle of new systems and products entering the Carrier Ethernet space.”

Dirk Van den Berghen, president of Alcatel’s access network activities, commented: “Alcatel recognizes that service providers need to leverage their existing capital investment and minimize operational expenses, while at the same time offer high-bandwidth services to their customers. The Alcatel 1521 CLIP has been specifically designed to international standards as a cost-effective, easy to deploy solution. We are seeing a great deal of interest for this solution and field trials are currently underway in several countries around the world.”

Alcatel is a strong participant in the Metro Ethernet community, which also certified the Alcatel 1850 Transport Service Switch and the Alcatel 7450 Ethernet Service Switch.

About the Metro Ethernet Forum
The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) is a global industry alliance comprising approximately 70 organizations including telecommunications service providers, network equipment/software manufacturers, semiconductor vendors and testing organizations. The MEF’s mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of carrier-class Ethernet networks and services. The MEF develops Carrier Ethernet technical specifications and implementation agreements to promote interoperability and deployment of Carrier Ethernet worldwide. For more information about the Forum, including a complete listing of all current MEF members, please visit the MEF website at www.metroethernetforum.org

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.



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