FPL FiberNet deploys mobile backhaul solution from Alcatel-Lucent to enhance broadband service delivery and increase bandwidth

Paris - Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced that FPL FiberNet is deploying its packet optical transport solution for mobile backhaul to increase bandwidth for mobile broadband applications while reducing costs.

Alcatel-Lucent is providing FPL FiberNet with key elements of its Mobile Evolution Transport Architecture (META) solution, including the 1850 Transport Service Switch (TSS) that enables FPL FiberNet to aggregate and transport multiple types of traffic – from SONET to Ethernet to packet - in the most cost-effective way possible.

“Network reliability is of the utmost concern for service providers,” said Charles Marsh, vice president of sales for Alcatel-Lucent’s North America major accounts. “We’re pleased to be able to offer our customers innovative, flexible and cost-effective solutions while continuing to enhance network reliability.”

“As the market moves from optical services to more packet-based services, FPL FiberNet is strategically investing in equipment that allows us to have a seamless transition to all-IP,” said Carmen Perez, President of FPL FiberNet. “Our customers operate in competitive markets so it is important for us to be able to enhance our services while keeping operating costs low. Wireless backhaul, which transports data and voice traffic between wireless base stations and the broader network, is an example of a new opportunity where we can leverage our existing network and customer relationships to expand services.”

FPL FiberNet serves telecom companies, wireless carriers, Internet service providers, enterprise and government customers in Florida through its fiber-optic network. With this deployment, FPL FiberNet is improving the reliability and cost-effectiveness of its network, which delivers premium Ethernet-based services.

About the META mobile backhaul solution
Alcatel-Lucent’s Mobile Evolution Transport Architecture (META) is the industry’s most comprehensive vision for the evolution of mobile networks from TDM to all-IP. The META architecture allows CDMA and GSM/UMTS mobile operators to scale their networks profitably from cell site to core, delivering significant OPEX reductions. META supports diverse transport alternatives providing an evolution path to all-IP for any infrastructure (copper, fiber, wireless), with integrated end-to-end management across fixed and mobile technology domains. For more information, visit www.alcatel-lucent.com/meta.

About FPL FiberNet
FPL FiberNet, LLC delivers wholesale and enterprise services throughout most major metropolitan areas in Florida, with its extensive long-haul and metro fiber-optic networks. FPL FiberNet is a subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc., a leading clean energy provider. With annual revenues of more than $16 billion and a growing presence in 27 states, FPL Group is widely recognized as one of the country’s premier power companies. Additional information regarding FPL Group is available at external linkwww.FPLGroup.com.

About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is the trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, providing solutions to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. A leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent leverages the unrivalled technical and scientific expertise of Bell Labs, one of the largest innovation powerhouses in the communications industry. With operations in more than 130 countries and the most experienced global services organization in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with a global reach. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 16.98 billion in 2008 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com