Alcatel’s strategy for WIMAX end-user devices

Paris, October 4, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris : CGEP.PA and NYSE : ALA) today confirmed that it is expanding the number of its partners in the WiMAX eco-system. Furthering its early commitment to universal WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e-2005), Alcatel adopted an Open CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) Policy in order to give its customers the optimum choice of terminal devices in terms of time-to-market, price and features – pledging to assure interoperability with the largest number of third-party suppliers possible.

Alcatel is already actively engaged in integrating its Evolium® WiMAX solution infrastructure with leading IEEE 802.16e WiMAX chipset manufacturers such as Intel, Runcom, Sequans Communications, Beceem, as well as various device manufacturers including Zyxel powered by Runcom ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Agreements not only cover operability tests but also information sharing on product features and roadmaps, as well as commercial agreements to assure competitive offers pairing networks and end-user devices.

Alcatel’s universal WiMAX customers can already benefit of this open cooperation with the availability of Zyxel PCMCIA cards (for laptop PCs) and residential gateways supporting both PC connectivity and VoIP/SIP telephony.

The roadmap shared within Alcatel’s eco-system of partners covers a great diversity of terminals ranging from PC adapters such as PCMCIA cards, indoor and outdoor CPEs to more advanced devices such as PDAs, multimedia devices and gaming consoles. It also includes the integration of embedded WiMAX technology into laptops, multi-mode handsets and other devices.

Sylvie Richir, Vice President of Alcatel Broadband Wireless Access activities noted: “The pace of market adoption that we’re seeing for the WiMAX technology is pretty remarkable. Alcatel had the foresight to commit to WiMAX (802.16e-2005) early, and make the necessary strategic moves to be ready. By getting real devices into customers’ hands, Alcatel will be accelerating speed to market, optimizing costs and sourcing, enabling them to take full advantage of this technology. Recent WiMAX announcements from major carriers in the US show that the market is now validating Alcatel’s position that WiMAX (802.16e-2005) is the standard for Universal WiMAX as a solid technology option for today and for the long term.”

Alcatel is already involved in WiMAX trials with service providers on every continent.

Alcatel is also participating to the WiMAX Forum™ Plugfests which provide vendors with the opportunity to inter-work their respective products and equipment and improve testing scenarios and capabilities in a technology standard. Alcatel was present at the Mobile Public Plugfest held in Bechtel Labs, Frederic Maryland, USA from 24 September until 1st October 2006.

About the WiMAX Forum
The WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, non-profit corporation formed to help promote and certify the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products using the IEEE 802.16 and ETSI HiperMAN wireless MAN specifications. The forum’s goal is to accelerate the introduction of these devices into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified™ products will be fully interoperable and support Metropolitan Broadband Fixed, Portable and Mobile Applications. For more information about the WIMAX Forum and its activities, please visit www.WiMAXForum.org “WiMAX,” “WiMAX Forum,” and “WiMAX Forum Certified” are trademarks of WiMAX Forum.

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 press@alcatel.com

Contact Information

Régine Coqueran

Corporate Media Relations

Alcatel

Contact via E-mail