Eurotunnel selects Alcatel-Lucent to install new European standard, interoperable GSM-R radio-communications system

21.5 million Euro project will further improve Tunnel safety and communications efficiency

Paris - Eurotunnel (Euronext Paris: GET and London Stock Exchange: GETS) has selected Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) to modernize the communications infrastructure in the Channel Tunnel. The new system will raise the railway communications capacity in the Tunnel to the highest technological standard and will generate further improvements in the safety and reliability of the system. The new equipment will be operational in 2012 in time for the Olympic Games in London.

The introduction of digital technology, together with the addition of the latest information system innovations will help improve operations and will provide better service quality. Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its GSM-R solution across the entire Eurotunnel network, improving voice and data communications for operations staff and enabling better service for customers. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide a set of professional services including end-to-end integration, deployment, testing and maintenance. These solutions will facilitate the management of increasingly dense rail traffic and will further improve safety.

Jacques Gounon, chairman and chief executive officer of Eurotunnel, said: “The state of the art communications technology that we are installing in the Tunnel will help us not only to improve safety, but also to manage cross Channel traffic even more efficiently. Eurotunnel is accelerating the modernization of its infrastructure and integrating future signaling requirements in order to be able to offer a reliable service and to shape its development in a European context.”

Among the important applications enabled by the new communications system are track to train radio communications between the Railway Control Centre and the train driver, and communications recording. The interoperability provided by GSM-R is vital to the project, as Eurotunnel interacts with different rail operators and numerous countries. GSM-R is a key component of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a European standard that ensures cross-border train control and command.

“The new communications infrastructure will enable Eurotunnel to safely accommodate the expected traffic growth in the Tunnel,” commented Tom Burns, president of Alcatel-Lucent’s enterprise activities. “In addition to its innovative transportation solutions, Alcatel-Lucent will leverage its services suite and delivery capabilities from both France and the UK to provide a highly available security network.”

Full commercial system including interoperability with on-board equipment will be ready by the end of 2012.

Eurotunnel is the leader in cross-Channel transport and provides passenger and freight services between Great Britain and France.

Eurotunnel is committed to sustainable development. Its rail service between the United Kingdom and France is environmentally-friendly, producing a significantly lower carbon footprint than maritime alternatives.

With 30 years of experience, Alcatel-Lucent is a global leader in implementing integrated communications solutions for railways. In 2009, Alcatel-Lucent has been selected for major projects in Spain, Kazakhstan, the Chinese cities of Beijing, Wuhan and Guangzhou, Sweden and Turkey. In 2008, Alcatel-Lucent was selected by the Gotthard Base Tunnel, for a major project in Switzerland. More information about Alcatel-Lucent solutions for the railway industry is available online.

About Eurotunnel

Until 2086, Eurotunnel (Euronext Paris: GET and London Stock Exchange: GETS) manages the infrastructure of the Channel Tunnel and operates accompanied truck shuttle and passenger shuttle (car and coach) services between Folkestone, UK and Calais, France. Eurotunnel holds the concession to operate the Channel Tunnel, the fastest, most reliable, easiest and most environmentally friendly way to cross the Channel. In 15 years, nearly 250 million people have used the Channel Tunnel. This unique land crossing has become a vital link between the continent and the United Kingdom.

Eurotunnel runs a rail freight business through its subsidiary Europorte, which offers a wide range of integrated rail freight services.

For more information, visit Eurotunnel on the internet: external linkhttp://eurotunnel.com

About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is the trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, providing solutions to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. A leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent leverages the unrivalled technical and scientific expertise of Bell Labs, one of the largest innovation powerhouses in the communications industry. With operations in more than 130 countries and the most experienced global services organization in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with a global reach. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 16.98 billion in 2008 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com