PAETEC Communications selects Alcatel’s multi-service cross-connect to support voice and data traffic

Dallas, TX, June 21, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that it has been awarded a contract from PAETEC Communications, Inc., a national provider of integrated communications services for businesses, for the deployment of its multi-service cross-connect. The project will allow PAETEC to increase its network efficiencies by grooming and transporting multiple types of traffic with a single multi-service platform.

Alcatel will deploy its 1671 Service Connect (SC) at PAETEC’s new site in Tampa, Florida, where local customers will be able to access services such as MPLS, email, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and video conferencing. PAETEC, which has achieved a leadership position providing telecommunication services in vertical markets such as finance, government and healthcare, already uses the Alcatel 1630 GSX and 1631 LMC cross-connects to support mission-critical voice and data traffic.

The Alcatel 1671 SC will offer PAETEC the mission-critical flexibility to deliver narrowband, wideband, and broadband transport services to its vertical market customers via a single platform. Additionally, the Alcatel 1671 SC boosts central office efficiency, ensuring that connections to voice and data switches are utilized as completely and cost-effectively as possible. With market-leading density and very low power needs, the Alcatel 1671 SC will help PAETEC reduce space and power requirements, keeping operational expenses in check.

“As technology continues to advance, an increasing number of our customers are deploying sophisticated communications services,” said Jeff Cardinal, Vice President of Operations for PAETEC. “With the compact and scalable Alcatel 1671 SC, we can maximize operational costs and efficiently manage the growing flow of network traffic. This allows us to provide our customers with the most innovative voice and data services available today, and set the groundwork for offering future services as well.”

“We have a close relationship with PAETEC, and are committed to offering them the most efficient solutions available for optimizing their network infrastructure,” said Steven Pickett, senior vice president and general manager of Alcatel’s optical networking activities in North America. “By deploying the Alcatel 1671 SC, PAETEC benefits from a future-proof platform that reduces the operational complexity of their network while driving down operational expenditures.”

About PAETEC Communications
PAETEC Communications, Inc., is an innovative supplier of communications solutions to medium and large businesses and institutions. With the belief that every customer has unique needs, PAETEC offers personalized solutions that include a comprehensive suite of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services delivered over our Private-IP MPLS network. With more than 1,000,000 access line equivalents in service, PAETEC serves more than 15,000 core business customers across the U.S. by offering a full line of telecommunications and Internet services, enterprise communications management software, security solutions, and managed services. The company was the recipient of the 2005 American Business Ethics Award for a mid-size company, presented by the Society of Financial Services Professionals. PAETEC is headquartered in Fairport, N.Y. More information about the company can be found by visiting www.paetec.com.

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. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com

Contact Information

Robin Karvo

Corporate Media Relations

Alcatel

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