EMBARQ selects Alcatel-Lucent’s IP/MPLS solution for network upgrade

NXTcomm, Las Vegas, June 2008 — Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced that its industry-leading IP routing solution has been selected by EMBARQ (NYSE: EQ) as a basis for the service provider’s ongoing network upgrade.

Alcatel-Lucent’s IP solution will enable EMBARQ, which offers a comprehensive range of communications services in 18 states across the country, to deliver advanced premium communications services to its business and residential customers via a single network infrastructure.

“We’re seeing a growing appetite for higher bandwidth services from our customers,” said Jim Hansen, senior vice president of Network Services at EMBARQ. “Giving our customers the best possible communications experience means we must prudently work to upgrade our network where it makes sense. Alcatel-Lucent’s premium IP solution and experience gives us the technology and expertise necessary to reach our goal of meeting the communications needs of our customers well into the future.”

“Our advanced IP/MPLS solution provides a flexible and service-rich foundation that will help EMBARQ deliver high-speed, high-bandwidth and highly scalable IP/MPLS-based services,” said Charles Marsh, vice president of sales for Alcatel-Lucent. “Using a single, flexible Alcatel-Lucent IP/MPLS infrastructure will help EMBARQ reduce network complexity and increase revenues as it evolves and expands.”

The solution is based on the Alcatel-Lucent 7750 Service Router, which ensures non-stop service delivery with the quality of service (QoS) necessary to offer differentiated services to customers. Also included are the Alcatel-Lucent 5750 Subscriber Services Controller, a flexible, modular and pre-integrated subscriber and policy manager, and the Alcatel-Lucent 5620 Service Aware Manager, a single management platform offering element, network and service management. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide network integration services including project management, consulting, network design, installation, deployment, integration, testing and maintenance.

Over 200 service providers in more than 90 countries around the world have selected the Alcatel-Lucent IP/MPLS portfolio as key elements of their IP transformation. According to Ovum RHK, Alcatel-Lucent holds the #2 position in the IP/MPLS Edge market segment.



About EMBARQ

EMBARQ Corporation (NYSE: EQ - News), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a complete suite of communications services. The company has approximately 18,000 employees and operates in 18 states. EMBARQ is included in the S&P 500 and is in the Fortune 500® list of America’s largest corporations. For consumers, EMBARQ offers an innovative portfolio of services that includes reliable local and long distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network® -- all on one monthly bill. For businesses, EMBARQ has a comprehensive range of flexible and integrated services designed to help businesses of all sizes be more productive and communicate with their customers. This service portfolio includes local voice and data services, long distance, Business Class High Speed Internet, wireless, satellite TV from DIRECTV®, enhanced data network services, voice and data communication equipment and managed network services. For more information, visit www.embarq.com.