RICHARDSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--January 2, 1997--In a deal
with a potential value of $100 million, Alcatel Telecom will install
synchronous optical network (SONET) equipment for MFS Communications
Company, Inc. (MFS) over the next two years. Pursuant to the terms
of a recent agreement, Alcatel has begun shipments of its 1603/12 SM
and 1648 SM SONET multiplexers for installation in MFS ring networks
in Canada and the United States.
The Alcatel 1648 SM manages and transports network traffic at the
OC-48 line rate (2.4 Gbit/s). It supports electrical and SONET
interfaces up to 622 Mbit/s (OC-12). The Alcatel 1648 SM supports
all of the industry standard configurations from a single hardware
platform, including: terminal, add/drop multiplexer, repeater,
unidirectional ring, four-fiber bi-directional ring and optical hub.
The Alcatel 1603/12 SM (OC-3 and OC-12 line rates; OC-3 equals 155
Mbit/s) features a range of configurations and applications to
support many of the same services as the 1648 SM. The 1603/12 is
unique in that it accommodates many network functions, including
simultaneous grooming of VT, STS and ATM circuits, at both the OC-3
and OC-12 rates from a single shelf.
"Alcatel's SONET equipment is helping carriers achieve
world-class competitiveness and position themselves for future
growth," said Joe Bass, Vice President and General Manager for
Alcatel Telecom Lightwave Products. "Alcatel is working with more
and more carriers to build SONET ring networks because they offer
highly-reliable and survivable services with lower maintenance
demands than legacy technologies."
The operating subsidiaries of MFS provide services around the
world via high-capacity, fiber optic metropolitan area networks.
Alcatel Telecom activities in North America include the design,
manufacture and service of a full line of voice, data, video and
multimedia telecommunications products -- such as ATM switching
systems, digital cross connects, DSL systems, fiber optic
transmission systems, optical amplifiers, microwave radios, wireless
communications switches, video codecs, and network management
systems. The telecommunications and broadcast industries, private
operators and corporations use these products to create high
performance networks. The worldwide operations of Alcatel Telecom
make it one of the world's leading communications equipment
manufacturers. Alcatel Telecom is part of the Alcatel Alsthom group,
which maintains its headquarters in Paris. Alcatel Alsthom trades on
the NYSE as ALA.
CONTACT: Michael Newsom
(972) 996-7896 97-01
Internet: michael_newsom@aud.alcatel.com |
