Alcatel Alenia Space signs MOU on space cooperation with the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Paris, January 26, 2006 - Alcatel Alenia Space today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a leading research and development, technology and innovation institution in South Africa, to consolidate global cooperation in the space market and to leverage their respective competencies and knowledge.

Under the terms of this agreement, Alcatel Alenia Space and the CSIR will join their forces to develop space science skills initially in South Africa and then contribute to the national Human Resource Development objectives. Furthermore, Alcatel Alenia Space and the CSIR will combine their respective skills and contribute to improving the quality of life in South Africa and throughout Africa.

Many areas of cooperation have been identified which include landcover mapping, broadband solutions via satellite dedicated to tele-epidemiology, satellite navigation and transport applications, development in astronomy related initiatives and spatial data infrastructure.

This initiative reinforces Alcatel’s commitment in this region. It is part of Alcatel’s Sustainable Development strategy, which consists of partnering with local players, associations and other stakeholders, to propose solutions that combine technologies and services.

Mr Linda Khumalo, from Alcatel in South Africa said: “Alcatel is very glad to sign this MoU with CSIR. We believe that this agreement will pave the way for the implementation of space projects enabling us to bridge the digital divide within Africa.”

About the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
The CSIR is a South African statutory council that, through directed and multi-disciplinary research and technological innovation, fosters industrial and scientific development, either by itself or in partnership with public or private institutions to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the people of South Africa.

About Alcatel Alenia Space
Alcatel Alenia Space is the European leader in satellite systems, at the forefront of orbit infrastructures. Created in July 2005, the company brings together the vast experience and know-how of Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio to form a new leading force in European space technology. Alcatel Alenia Space represents a worldwide standard for space development that impacts everybody’s future: from navigation to telecommunications, from meteorology to environmental monitoring, from defense to science and observation. Alcatel Alenia Space is an affiliate of Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) (67%) and Finmeccanica (Milan:SIFI.MI, FNC.IM) (33%).

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks; applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.3 billion and 56,000 employees in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

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Régine Coqueran

Alcatel

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