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Transpower selects Alcatel-Lucent to transform communications network for New Zealand’s national electricity grid


WEBWIRE

Alcatel-Lucent (Paris: Euronext and NYSE: ALU)today announced that it has been selected by Transpower New Zealand to deliver, operate and maintain a new IP-based private communications network connecting 192 sites across New Zealand. Alcatel-Lucent will also manage the transition of Transpower’s legacy communications systems to the new network.

Transpower owns and operates New Zealand’s high-voltage electricity transmission network – the National Grid – linking electricity generators to distribution companies and major industrial users. Alcatel-Lucent’s network transformation solution will enable Transpower to migrate all of its critical communications systems to a single, reliable, future-proof IP/MPLS system SDH over a fibre and microwave radio network, delivering ongoing operational efficiencies.

As part of the proposed five-year contract, Alcatel-Lucent will be responsible for Transpower’s overall life cycle management including project management, network design and integration, procurement, deployment, operations, and maintenance of the multivendor network.

“This communications network transformation is part of Transpower’s continuing program of investment in New Zealand’s National Grid – investments that will ensure the increasing demand for electricity is met now and into the future,” said Transpower Chief Executive Dr Ralph Craven.

“The challenge we faced in upgrading our communications network was how to bring together multiple legacy and future technologies onto a single platform that can be easily managed. Alcatel-Lucent has helped us meet that challenge with a highly reliable and achievable communications solution that will deliver operational savings and efficiencies into the future.

Michael Fabian, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s Enterprise and Government Services activities added, "We understand the mission-critical communications requirements of the power industry. The network has to be robust, reliable, and secure. Our carrier-grade IP Transformation solution, along with our extensive multivendor experience and strong local presence in New Zealand, will assure Transpower and their customers that they have a trusted partner to support this vital national infrastructure.”

The transformed IP-based communications network will feature key components of Alcatel-Lucent’s mission-critical utility solutions portfolio, including Voice over IP, Wireless LAN, digital microwave, and LAN switching. It will give Transpower access to advanced capabilities for voice, video and data applications, as well as providing scalable network architecture based on Alcatel-Lucent’s service routing and optical networking portfolios including the 7710 SR, 5620 Service Aware manager and Optical Multi-Service Node systems, to accommodate future applications.



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