Paris, June 3, 2004 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) announced today that it has signed an agreement to provide Zimbabwe Broadlands Networks Ltd, a new private telecom operator in Zimbabwe, with an LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution System) wireless broadband data network. The contract was won through Alcatel Shanghai Bell, Alcatel's flagship Chinese company.
The Alcatel LMDS network is the first of its kind to be deployed in the country and will connect the capital city of Harare with the country's second largest city, Bulawayo. Once the network is in place, it will enable Zimbabwe Broadlands Networks to provide companies located in those two cities with value-added services such as voice over IP, videoconferencing, LAN connection and Internet access
Scheduled for deployment in June 2004, the Alcatel broadband wireless solution represents an important step forward in Zimbabwe's "Telecom Digitization Project", a government program designed to establish a solid foundation for future economic development.
"Alcatel is well known in the industry for its leading telecommunications solutions," noted Chemist Siziba, Chairman of Zimbabwe Broadlands Networks Ltd. "I believe their expertise will help us create a reliable and efficient wireless broadband data network that will meet end-user demands."
"We are honored to have been selected to deploy the first wireless broadband data network in Zimbabwe," said Chen Lixin, Executive Vice President of Alcatel Shanghai Bell. "Our extensive product portfolio combined with expertise for implementing complex networks will assist Zimbabwe Broadlands Networks to offer an array of new data services to their enterprise customers", he added.
The Alcatel LMDS solution includes the 7390 LMDS, the 7750 Service Router and the 7470 Multiservice Platform.
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 to their employees. Alcatel leverages its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services to bring value to its customers in the framework of a broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.5 billion in 2003, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
About Alcatel Shanghai Bell
Alcatel Shanghai Bell is the first foreign-invested company limited by shares in the telecommunications sector in China, with Alcatel holding 50%+1 shares and Chinese shareholders holding the remainder. The multibilliondollar telecom technology leader delivers end-to-end telecommunications solutions and high-quality services, covering the fixed, mobile networking, broadband access, intelligent optical networking, multimedia solutions and network applications. It also has a key international R&D center that enjoys full access to Alcatel's global technology pool and develops original technology for use in China and export to Alcatel's customers worldwide. With an advanced manufacturing center, and the most extensive sales and support network in China, Alcatel Shanghai Bell is the only company capable of meeting the global needs of Chinese customers. For more information, visit Alcatel Shanghai Bell on the Internet at http://www.alcatel-sbell.com.cn | |
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