TELSTRA SELECTS ALCATEL TO SUPPLY THE FIRST 32-CHANNEL DWDM NETWORK
IN AUSTRALIA
The system will allow to handle one million simultaneous multimedia connections
Steve, Telestra is 11 billion revenue company
Paris, June 8, 2000 - Alcatel, the world leader in optical networking, has been chosen by Telstra,
the Australia's premier communications carrier, to build Australia's first 32-channel DWDM (Dense
Wavelength Division Multiplexing) network which will link Melbourne and Sydney. This technology
will be used across Telstra's inter-capital fiber optic cable.
Alcatel will supply, install and commission its Optinex 1686 WM, a state-of-the-art 32-channel
DWDM system specially designed for regional and metropolitan applications. The technology will
transmit data using 32 different "colors of light" at once, allowing for up to 80 Gbps of traffic to be
carried over the existing fiber system. The capacity being produced will be able to handle one
million simultaneous multimedia (voice and Internet) connections.
The expansion in carrier grade Terabit networks allows customers to keep pace with the rapid
innovation of telecommunications. DWDM is a key technology to telecommunications companies
as demand for data services continues its exponential growth.
"The project will greatly enhance voice and data communications", said Ms. Meredith
Rogers, Telstra's General Manager for Core Network Development and Global Connect. "The
Melbourne-Sydney project is important for Telstra because it further enhances the
capability and robustness of our interstate transmission network, which is vital to the
provision of voice and data communications along the eastern seaboard. Alcatel's
solution will give us the capacity to steadily augment the system as traffic grows in
the coming years".
"Alcatel have closely worked with Telstra to define the optimum architecture for the
Melbourne-Sydney DWDM project", stated Mr. Ron Spithill, President of Alcatel Asia Pacific.
"The full turnkey solution includes Alcatel's management system to allow Telstra to
manage the entire network from their Global Operations Center in Melbourne. The
overall system will ensure that Telstra's customers receive the highest quality of
service."
About Telstra Corporation Limited
Telstra is Australia's premier communications carrier and is a world-class, fully integrated, full
service provider across wireline, ADSL, HFC, satellite and digital wireless networks and platforms. It
is Australia's leading ISP, has the most highly accessed family of internet portals and sites and
provides entertainment and multimedia content over its broadband network and through its Pay-TV
joint venture, Foxtel. Telstra has indicated its interest to expand its activities in Australia and
regionally in the digital media area. Telstra has also focused its B2B and B2C activities in major
industry growth areas, e.g. entertainment, health, financial services, insurance, education and
travel and has a significant stake in Australia's largest e-commerce enterprise.
A top tier global carrier with fiscal 1998/99 revenue of A$18.2 billion (approx US$11.6 billion),
Telstra placed 62nd in Business Week's 1999 Global 1000 ranking of the world's most valuable
companies by market value. The Wall Street Journal ranked Telstra in the top 50 of 'The World's
100 largest Public Companies' in 1999.
Telstra was credited with underpinning Australia's first place ranking in a survey of 100 MNCs in 22
countries by the National University of Singapore's Centre for Telemedia Strategies
(http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/telemedia) on such criteria as regulatory environment, price, choice
and service. For more information, visit Telstra on the Internet: telstra.com
About Alcatel
In November 1999, RHK, a leading telecommunications analyst firm, said that Alcatel holds a 21%
share - the number one position - of the world's total transport market, which comprises submarine
and terrestrial transmission systems. RHK noted that Alcatel's market-leading 37% market share in
the submarine networks segment helped secure the top position in the total transport market. In
addition, RHK found that Alcatel commands a 37% share of the digital cross-connect systems (DCS)
segment. Cross-connect systems contain the enabling technology for operators to offer high
bandwidth services. Alcatel is also cited as the global leader in terms of DWDM market share for the
global market encompassing both terrestrial and submarine applications. Alcatel builds next
generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to
established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000
employees and sales of EURO 23 billion in 1999, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
Contact press@www.alcatel.com |
