Sky Link and Alcatel-Lucent launch high-speed mobile broadband network in Volgograd

Sky Link, the largest CDMA operator in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) providing high-speed mobile Internet access and voice services in the Russian Federation, and Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced the deployment of an Alcatel-Lucent-supplied, third-generation (3G) CDMA2000 1хEV-DO network that will support mobile high-speed data services at speeds of up to 2.4 Megabits per second (Mbps) – in Volgograd, Russia. With this deployment ZAO Volgograd Cellular Communications (a Sky Link subsidiary that will operate the new network) will be able to transform its service offerings, providing reliable, high-quality, secure voice and data services including mobile video, mobile office solutions and more to local and roaming subscribers.

“The launch of commercial services in Volgograd is yet one more significant step to the establishment of the unified federal CDMA450 network under the Sky Link brand,” commented Gulnara Khasyanova, ZAO Sky Link General Director. “We are committed to expanding mobile Internet and other advanced and cost-effective mobile services throughout Russia. We selected Alcatel-Lucent for the deployment in one of the largest cities in Volga region because it is a reliable partner able to provide innovative technology solutions to serve as the basis for our ambitious project.”

“As the world’s leading CDMA450 network infrastructure supplier, we are happy to participate in the deployment of Sky Link’s CDMA450 EV-DO network in Volgograd,” said Johan Vanderplaetse, Vice-president of Alcatel-Lucent activities in CIS. “Today, Alcatel-Lucent’s solutions support commercial EV-DO services in mobile operators’ networks worldwide and we are committed to continue offering our customers the most advanced solutions available to address their business needs.”

Alcatel-Lucent is supplying its CDMA2000 solution for the 450 МHz frequency band, including its Mobile Switching Center (MSC) and Modular Cell 4.0 Compact base stations, which offer a smaller footprint and reduced power consumption. Alcatel-Lucent Services Group has provided network deployment, integration, and training and support services.

As a global leader in the development and deployment of third-generation (3G) networks, Alcatel-Lucent has deployed commercial 3G (W-CDMA/HSPA and CDMA/EV-DO) systems for more than 70 operators worldwide.