Delta Telecom picks Alcatel-Lucent for end-to-end deployment of the first commercial WiMAX Rev-e network in Azerbaijan

Solution combines IMS core network with WiMAX to better accommodate future growth

Paris.— Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced that it has been awarded a contract by Delta Telecom, a fast growing service provider in the Caucasus region, to deploy Azerbaijan’s first commercial WiMAX 802.16e-2005 (Rev-e) network. This new network will provide Delta Telecom’s customers with high-speed Internet access as well as other data services and voice over IP (VoIP).

It will accommodate stationary, nomadic and mobile applications and will complement Delta Telecom’s existing fixed broadband services in sparsely populated areas, where technical and economic factors sometimes make fixed broadband deployments impractical. Delta Telecom plans to launch the commercial services on the network at the end of 2008.

Alcatel-Lucent will supply a comprehensive package of infrastructure and services to both deploy WiMAX and modernize Delta Telecom’s nationwide carrier backbone infrastructure. This end-to-end solution includes base stations, WiMAX access controllers, terminals, an IMS core network and applications software and platforms. Alcatel-Lucent also will provide design and planning for end-to-end integration of the network as well as provisioning services for Delta Telecom’s network. The comprehensive approach of this project is in line with Alcatel-Lucent’s recently launched End-to-End IP Wireless-Broadband Solution for WiMAX.Alcatel-Lucent will also supply its Optical Multi-Service Node (OMSN)-based solution and its IP/MPLS service router portfolio for WiMAX backhaul.

By integrating an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) platform into the WiMAX solution, Delta Telecom is positioning itself to not only quickly and profitably launch carrier-grade voice services today but also to scale up and introduce rich multimedia communications services in the future.

“We want to provide our business and residential customers with a wide range of beneficial, easy-to-use wireless broadband services,” said Ramazan Valiyev, General Director of Delta Telecom. “Alcatel-Lucent has recognized global expertise in broadband IP networking and WiMAX radio technology as well as in fast-growing markets, and with its solutions and combined assets our subscribers will benefit from unmatched, sustainable quality of service and quality of experience.”

This exclusive project underlines Alcatel-Lucent’s strong presence in Azerbaijan and the company’s commitment to enable its customers to provide enhanced communications to end-users, narrowing the digital divide so crucial to economic and social growth.

“Alcatel-Lucent is fully committed to supporting Delta Telecom by boosting WiMAX and IMS deployments in Azerbaijan,” said Johan Vanderplaetse, President of Alcatel-Lucent CIS, Central and Southern Europe. “Alcatel-Lucent has proven to be a reliable supplier of WiMAX and IMS solution, and we are ready to deliver Delta Telecom our technologies and expertise to generate broadband business, while eliminating the digital divide.”

With 30 commercial contracts and more than 70 trials around the world, Alcatel-Lucent is the undisputed leader in the WiMAX market. It is also a global leader in network planning, design, consulting, project management and network optimization.