Globalcom Data Services selects Alcatel for end-to end triple play-ready solution in Lebanon

Paris, January 24, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced the signature of a contract with Globalcom Data Services, a major alternative service provider in Lebanon, to supply an end-to-end triple play-ready solution. Network deployment will start in the first quarter of 2006.

Alcatel’s solution is based on the most advanced IP, access and management technologies as well as professional services. With this comprehensive end-to-end solution, unmatched in the industry, Globalcom Data Services will be able to introduce Lebanon’s first broadband services and be ready for the delivery of innovative bundled triple play (voice, data and video) services.

Habib Torbey, Chief Executive Officer of Globalcom said: “Alcatel’s end-to-end solution will make Globalcom the first broadband provider in Lebanon, in line with the broadband initiative recently launched by the Lebanese Ministry of Telecom. It will help us deliver the features and services, such as fast and reliable access to information that our customers want. Alcatel’s portfolio and unrivaled expertise in triple play make it the ideal partner as we initiate such services.”

“Broadband is a very powerful tool that helps businesses better serve their customers in the Information Age. Alcatel has grown to be the undisputed leader in broadband - and now triple play - based on our technical and deployment leadership and deep understanding of customer needs. Globalcom will now leverage that expertise to bring the best of broadband to Lebanon,” said Michel Rahier, President of Alcatel’s fixed communications activities

Globalcom will deploy the Alcatel 7302 Intelligent Services Access Manager (ISAM), the market’s first true 100% triple play access platform, the Alcatel 7450 Ethernet Service Switch and Alcatel 7750 Service Router at the edge for service introduction and efficient aggregation, and the Alcatel 5620 Service Aware Manager and Alcatel 5523 AWS for network and service management. Alcatel will also provide professional services including installation, on site survey, and commissioning as well as network consultancy, leveraging overall expertise gleaned from more than 30 triple play projects worldwide.

About Globalcom :
Operating since 1997, GlobalCom Data Services (GDS) is the national leader in wireless data communications offering a complete range of protocol-independent data telecommunication services. GDS has deployed its own telecommunication infrastructure covering all of Lebanon and totally independent of the Public Operator’s network. GDS serves about five thousand connections under Frame Relay, ATM, Clear Channel, IP + MPLS and X.25 protocols for banks, financial, educational and health institutions, service providers, commercial companies and public institutions.
For more information, visit GDS on the Internet: http://www.gds.com.lb

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 12.3 billion and 56,000 employees in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

Contact Information

Mark Burnworth

Alcatel

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