Barcelona, February 14, 2006 - On the occasion of the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) and Sagem Communication (SAFRAN Group) today announced that Sagem Communication intends to develop mobile phones supporting DVB-H in both the UHF band and the S-Band. Sagem Communication's objective is to benefit from Alcatel's "Unlimited Mobile TV for Mass Market" initiative that proposes an evolution of DVB-H in the S-Band.
The S-Band 2,170-2,200 MHz frequency range, satellite IMT2000 FDD European allocation also known as S-UMTS is a telecom frequency band reserved for satellite usage, which is immediately adjacent to the 3G/UMTS spectrum and is available across continents.
First prototypes of Sagem's mobile phones supporting DVB-H in the S-Band will be available for field trial in the 2nd half of 2006, for a commercial product availability planned in 2007.
Alcatel's "Unlimited Mobile TV for Mass Market" project is based on a unique combination of DVB-H-based terrestrial and satellite broadcast delivery in the S-Band, complementing existing 3G/UMTS and/or EDGE networks. Alcatel's approach allows operators to protect and leverage their 3G and/or EDGE investments, while offering unlimited coverage, unlimited audience, unlimited number of TV channels and maximum interactivity.
Thierry Buffenoir, deputy CEO of Sagem Communication declared: "Sagem Communication is committed to DVB-H as the basis for tomorrow's broadcast mobile TV ramp up. We also strongly support Alcatel's innovative vision for an expansion of the DVB-H standard in the S-Band, as the S-Band will open the door for a full scale geographical deployment of DVB-H."
Olivier Coste, President, Alcatel Mobile Broadcast added: "Alcatel welcomes Sagem Communication's endorsement of DVB-H in the S-Band, as this is a clear signal that Alcatel's "Unlimited Mobile TV for Mass Market" initiative will enable the large-scale development of Mobile TV in Europe and in the rest of the world. We are committed to bringing Sagem Communication Alcatel's full support so they can fully benefit from their DVB-H in UHF assets while leveraging the fantastic Mobile TV market booster that represents the evolution of DVB-H in the S-Band."
About Sagem Communication
Sagem Communication (SAFRAN Group) is a major player in the Mobile and Broadband Communication industries, who has acquired a strong world-wide position thanks to renewed innovation. SAGEM products stand-out particularly in the following activities: mobile phones, printing terminals, residential terminals, digital TV, networks and electronic metering, etc. For more information, please visit our Web sites: www.sagem.com et www.safran-group.com
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. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com | |
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