Mediterranean Nautilus selects Alcatel-Lucent for multi-million Euro submarine network upgrade and extension in the Mediterranean

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) and Mediterranean Nautilus Limited, a broadband network service provider owned by Telecom Italia Sparkle, have further strengthened their cooperation, after successfully inaugurating the first regional dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) submarine network in the Mediterranean Sea. Under the terms of a turnkey, multi-million Euro contract, Alcatel-Lucent will upgrade and extend the existing submarine network which began service in 2001. As a result, MedNautilus will benefit from extra capacity and a new route to support the accelerated regional growth in broadband data services and applications.

The current submarine network broke new ground for emerging data services in the region such as high-speed Internet access, managed hosting and storage networking. Spanning approximately 6,000 km, it is an interlocking loop that links Italy, Greece, Turkey and Israel providing seamless broadband connectivity to business and residential users.

With completion scheduled in the fourth quarter 2007, the new, two-phase project will further enhance the hub located in Cyprus enabling MedNautilus to meet the island’s and neighboring countries’ increased capacity requirements. In the first phase, Alcatel-Lucent will upgrade to 10 Gbit/s the submarine link providing direct connection between Mazara del Vallo in Sicily, Italy, to Yeroskipos, Cyprus. In the second phase, a new branching unit will be deployed in Pentaskhinos to add a new connection from Cyprus to the existing infrastructure.

“We are focused on enhancing capacity and connectivity for maximum effectiveness to best serve our customers, while capitalizing on our existing infrastructure,” said Francesco Nanotti, CEO of Mediterranean Nautilus. “Alcatel-Lucent continues to be a valued partner to help us take a new step in our regional and global capabilities in the timelines required.”

“As broadband adoption rates continue growing, we are delivering to Mediterranean Nautilus the most advanced submarine technology to meet new service demands,” affirmed Jean Godeluck, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s submarine network activity. “Our submarine solutions offer the flexibly and reliability our customers require to support the cost-effective delivery of innovative services.”

The Alcatel-Lucent solution will be based on the 1620 Light Manager next-generation DWDM submarine platform, managed by the existing Alcatel-Lucent 1350 management. Alcatel-Lucent will also offer a comprehensive suite of professional services, including project management, engineering, marine operation, and installation testing and commissioning.