Alcatel selected by Orascom Telecom to deliver Algeria's GSM network
in a deal worth more than Euros 400 million over 5 years
Alcatel to supply the largest Algerian GSM mobile network
Paris, August 9th, 2001 - Alcatel and Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E. today announced that
they have signed a contract for the delivery of a significant portion of a new nationwide GSM
network in Algeria. Valued at €420 million, this contract is the first execution of the Global
Frame Agreement signed between Orascom Telecom and Alcatel and is further enhancing their
ongoing collaboration in the region. The first phase of the network installation will start in
October 2001. When completed, the network will be the largest-capacity network in Algeria. It
will allow Orascom Telecom Algeria to offer enhanced mobile data services to almost 3 million
customers.
Alcatel will supply Orascom Telecom Algeria with its industry leading Evolium (TM) solution. It
comprises a radio Base Station Subsystem (BTS), a core Network Sub System (NSS) including
a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) and a Home Location Register (HLR). Alcatel will also supply
an Intelligent Network platform for value-added services and revenue-generating applications
such as Voice Mail Service (VMS), a short Message Service Center (SMS-C). In addition, to
carrying high-capacity traffic amongst the base stations, the network will utilize Alcatel's
microwave radio systems managed by an efficient and powerful network management
platform.
As an industry-leading solution, the Alcatel Evolium (TM) family will support GSM, GPRS, EDGE
and UMTS technologies that can integrate future 3G mobile data applications.
Naguib Sawiris, Chairman of the Board of Orascom Telecom said, "Entering Algeria
represents for us a significant breakthrough in our deployment in Africa and
the Middle East, further enhancing our portfolio of assets and our leadership
position in this area. By placing our trust in Alcatel, who played a key role
in our success in winning this license, Orascom Telecom confirms its
commitment to providing our international customers with leading-edge solutions."
"Taking this step into Algeria is a major achievement for Alcatel since it is
among the last major countries in Africa to grant a GSM license to a private
operator", said Michel Rahier, President of Alcatel's Mobile Networks activities. "We believe
that this cutting-edge network will empower Algerian consumers to embrace a
whole new way of life and to truly become the mobile generation. This new
contract reflects a significant milestone in our partnership with Orascom
Telecom".
Hervé Pourcines, Key Account Management Director of Alcatel, said: "In the next 12
months with the support of the engineers of Alcatel Egypt, Alcatel will be the
main contributor to the coverage of the 12 major districts and within 24
months, all 20 prefectures will be covered. This very ambitious challenge for
the rollout of the network confirms Alcatel's strengths in the fast delivery of
mobile networks."
About Alcatel
Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) 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 110,000 employees and sales of EURO 31 billion in
2000, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
About Alcatel's Evolium solutions
Alcatel's Evolium (TM) solutions meet the requirements of mobile operators such as Orascom
Telecom, whether it is for the deployment of new networks or the optimization of existing
infrastructures. Alcatel offers mobile operators a GSM 800, 900, 1800 and 1900MHz
end-to-end solution offering, including radio access and core network systems, services
platform and mobile terminals, allowing them to provide new and attractive services.
By creating Evolium SAS, an Alcatel-Fujitsu company, Alcatel clearly reinforces its position in
both mobile infrastructure and mobile Internet. Evolium SAS combines Alcatel's expertise in
GSM, GPRS, and EDGE as well as in ATM and IP technologies, with the advanced experience
of Fujitsu as supplier of NTT DoCoMo. These solutions ensure an efficient evolution towards
3G, minimizing the migration costs and protecting operators' investment.
Alcatel provides a complete set of services enabling service providers and enterprises to
maximize their revenues and optimize their operating costs. Alcatel's services range from
business and technology consulting, network and application design, implementation
management up to customer support and facility management.
About Orascom Telecom
The latest Offspring of the Orascom Group of Companies, Orascom Telecom emerged as the
largest telecommunications player in the Middle East and Africa. Orascom Telecom's regional
GSM presence and its activities in Internet and satellite, public payphones, technical
management and telecom support services position it as an integrated telecommunications
conglomerate.
With 19 subsidiary and twenty licenses to operate GSM networks, Orascom Telecom has
secured the widest coverage of telecommunications services in the region of the Middle East
and Africa in less than two years.
Orascom Telecom is the largest commercial supplier of Internet access and web-based
services and solutions in Egypt and has begun expanding these Services into the Arabian Gulf
region.
Orascom Telecom is one of five major companies representing the Orascom Group, founded by
Mr. Onsi Sawiris in 1950. Orascom Group is currently considered one of the largest and most
successful conglomerates in Egypt with more than 20,000 employees and a yearly turnover
exceeding approximately over 3 billion EGP.
Orascom Telecom's mission is to be the premier regional telecom operator of the Middle East
and Africa, providing the best quality services to its customers, value to its shareholders and a
dynamic and solid working environment for its employees. Visit our site at www.otelecom.com
Contact press@www.alcatel.com |
