Deliver Your News to the World

Alcatel and the Singapore Economic Development Board launch IPTV/triple play competency center in Asia-Pacific


WEBWIRE

Initiative includes talent development to develop Singapore’s capabilities as a broadcast technology and triple play hub

SINGAPORE, February 7, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) today jointly announced the launch of a competency center dedicated to Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and triple play in Asia-Pacific. The center will focus on activities that contribute to the development of Singapore as a regional IPTV and triple play hub.

Rising broadband penetration across the region has seen a growing number of telecoms operators looking to incorporate IPTV services that are part of the triple play service offering, which includes voice, video and data. As the leading provider of innovative IPTV solutions, Alcatel recognizes the need for skilled talent that will help implement and drive IPTV adoption across the region.

As a result, one of the competency center’s first initiatives will be to train IPTV technology specialists. Jointly funded by Alcatel and the EDB under its Training Attachment Program (TAP), the selected candidates will be equipped with the latest IPTV expertise via training in the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries across Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Mr Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director of EDB said, “We are pleased that Alcatel has selected Singapore to drive its IPTV initiative in Asia Pacific. Alcatel’s IPTV competency centre will leverage on Singapore’s established broadcasting and telecommunication capabilities and expand its IPTV business into the region. Through partnerships with industry leaders like Alcatel, the EDB is committed to grow the pool of skilled IPTV specialists, which will strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading next-generation info-communications hub.”

Alcatel is involved in several key IPTV projects around the world including China Netcom, which selected Alcatel to deploy China’s largest intelligent optical metro network, hailed as the first commercial application of its kind in China. The network delivers not only carrier-class Ethernet services and high-speed Internet access, but also Bandwidth on Demand (BoD) and leased-line services, optical VPN, and IPTV to end users throughout Beijing.

“Triple play is the future and IPTV is a key component of that future. By giving consumers unlimited choice and freedom over TV services, Alcatel is opening up whole new experiences and markets,” said Monika Maurer, president of Alcatel’s fixed solutions activities. “This center is an investment in that future, and as the market leader, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are prepared to roll out that future vision with the necessary talent and expertise required.”

About Singapore Economic Development Board
The Economic Development Board (EDB) is Singapore’s lead agency responsible for planning and executing strategies to sustain Singapore’s position as a compelling global hub for business and investment.

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.

About Alcatel’s User-centric Triple Play
To meet today’s quest for increased personalized and interactive services, Alcatel helps worldwide operators transform their networks and deliver a new, way better end-user experience. Alcatel’s user-centric triple play builds on its leadership in broadband technology, IP networking, optics, new multimedia and video applications, as well as end-to-end services integration. End-users will enjoy unique, exciting services including video on demand, personal TV, community channels, online gaming and sharing of music, photos and home videos, all delivered simply and seamlessly via a range of devices and networks. Alcatel has IPTV/Triple Play competence centers in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.



WebWireID9066





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.