Universidad Autónoma of Madrid deploys Alcatel WiFi Network

Madrid, September 12, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP. PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that it has completed the deployment of the wireless network for the Universidad Autónoma of Madrid (UAM), Spain.

The WiFi network, which was awarded to Alcatel in 2005, is an advanced communications solution that enables students, teachers, researchers, and administrative and services staff to connect directly to the University network from anywhere on the campus at any time, providing efficient access to the University’s information and resources. Deployment of Alcatel’s wireless solution positions the UAM as a leader amongst Spanish universities in the use of wireless technology.

The UAM network will serve more than 36,000 users and extends information technology services across the UAM campus and to remote users. The main goals of the project are to provide increased security, manageability, and simplified access for all users, and particularly for visitors. Additionally, the project joins the European Program EduRoam and allows UAM staff and students travelling to the EduRoam Campus remote access to UAM’s IT services, thereby matching the remote services provided at the Cantoblanco Campus of UAM in Madrid, Spain.

Users of the new WIFI network have two secure ways to access information. One is via the Internet using authenticated and encrypted WiFi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2). The second is via the European Project EduRoam, which provides mobility between networks from different educational institutions around Europe.

Alejandro Hernández, Information Technology Director at the UAM said: “Our previous technologies were suitable only for small departmental networks with one or two access points. We chose Alcatel in order to build a manageable, scalable and sustainable WiFi network for the more than 400 access points we needed to cover UAM.”

José Tormo, Director of Alcatel’s enterprise network infrastructure activities in Spain and Portugal, adds: “Wireless technologies have matured to provide the security, availability, and ease of use that universities need to support their staff and student populations. We are pleased that the OmniAccess WLAN product family will be a cornerstone of UAM’s internal and inter-institutional information sharing.”

The network is based on light access point technology and includes Alcatel OmniAccess Wireless Access Points that offer 802.11a/b/g capabilities as well as Alcatel OmniAccess Wireless 6000 switches, providing network intelligence and management. NextiraOne, a Premium Alcatel Business Partner, installed the wireless network.

About Universidad Autónoma of Madrid (UAM)
Universidad Autónoma of Madrid (UAM) is one of the most prestigious higher education Institutions in Spain. Its headquarters are at the Cantoblanco Campus, 15 km from Madrid. The UAM has more than 3,000 employees including teachers, researchers and administrative staff who support more than 33,000 pupils. UAM is a complete and innovative University with a growing and balanced campus to face the societal demands through quality services. It is a University committed to research and innovation, education and start-up enterprises.

About NextiraOne
Headquartered in Paris, NextiraOne is a leading global provider of integrated enterprise network solutions and services that enable effective, reliable business communications. We cover everything from planning and design to the implementation, support and management of voice, data and converged communications networks. We provide best-in-class technologies from leading partners including Alcatel, Cisco Systems, Genesys and Nortel. And we offer consultation and solutions development ranging from contact centre applications to network infrastructure outsourcing. Discover more at http://www.nextiraone.com. NextiraOne is owned by Platinum Equity, http://www.platinumequity.com, a global acquisition firm specialising in the strategic operation of missions-critical services and solutions businesses according to a unique M&A&O™ model of value creation.

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

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Juan Porro Herrera

Corporate Media Relations

Alcatel

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