O2, Manx Telecom and Lucent Technologies to Launch First Commercial 3G

THURSDAY OCTOBER 20, 2005

Lucent-Supplied HSDPA Network to Enable Manx Telecom to Introduce New, Mobile High-Speed Data Services; IMS Network Launch to Follow Early Next Year

Douglas, ISLE OF MAN - O2, Manx Telecom (a wholly owned subsidiary of O2) and Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) today announced plans to launch the first commercial HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) network service in Europe on the Isle of Man on Nov. 1 of this year. This marks a significant milestone in the deployment of a super-fast, mobile network based on Lucent’s end-to-end, third-generation (3G) UMTS/HSDPA and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) solutions for Manx Telecom.

The Lucent-supplied UMTS/HSDPA network enables Manx Telecom to introduce UMTS voice services and new, mobile high-speed data services such as DVD-quality streaming video, fast downloads of very large files including music, as well as Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to corporate networks.

The enhanced data transmission capabilities of HSDPA also will enable Manx Telecom to deliver Value over IP™ -- via the introduction of “blended lifestyle” services that combine voice, data and video capabilities -- when the next phase of the network deployment, which includes Lucent’s IMS solution, is completed.

“This project highlights O2’s continued leadership in the introduction of enhanced next-generation communications solutions,” said Dave Williams, group CTO for O2. “The impending commercial launch of Europe’s first HSDPA network and future introduction of IMS-enabled services here on the Isle of Man demonstrates our commitment to providing our subscribers with the most innovative services.”

The HSDPA network will provide full island coverage, and services will be available wherever customers use mobile services today.

“Manx Telecom’s vision is to provide services that enrich people’s lives -- wherever they are and whenever they want them,” said Chris Hall, managing director of Manx Telecom. “Our advanced network on the Isle of Man serves as a showcase of the tremendous opportunity offered by the latest technology to our customers.”

“We are very excited and honored to help Manx Telecom launch the first commercial HSDPA service in Europe,” said Andy Williams, president, Lucent Technologies Europe. “We believe our end-to-end UMTS/HSDPA and IMS solutions are best-in-class and will help Manx Telecom deliver mobile services never seen before in Europe.”

The 3G UMTS and HSDPA network comprises Lucent’s end-to-end commercial UMTS solution, including Lucent’s OneBTS® base stations (Node Bs) -- which support HSDPA -- Radio Network Controller (RNC), Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), and 3G Mobile Switching Center based on the Lucent Network Controller and Lucent Network Gateway. Lucent’s industry-leading IMS solution is being integrated with the current system and will be operational offering a suite of innovative, end-user services early next year.

About O2 plc
O2 plc has 100% ownership of mobile network operators in three countries - the UK, Germany and Ireland - as well as a leading mobile Internet portal business. All of these businesses are branded as ’O2’. The company is a founding member of Starmap Mobile Alliance, has operations on the Isle of Man (Manx Telecom) and owns Airwave O2 - an advanced, digital emergency communications service. In addition, O2 has established the Tesco Mobile and Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses in the UK and Germany respectively. O2 has more than 25 million customers and some 15,000 employees. It reported revenues for the year ended 31 March 2005 of £6.683 billion.

About Lucent Technologies
Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and delivers networks for the world’s largest communications service providers. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent relies on its strengths in mobility, optical, data and voice networking technologies as well as software and services to develop next-generation networks. The company’s systems, services and software are designed to help customers quickly deploy and better manage their networks and create new, revenue-generating services that help businesses and consumers. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.

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