I read this and know that HLIT is probably not in the running for these dark fiber giant networks, but can you imagine if they were able to get a contract like this? I wonder if they will eventually announce something like, TCI/AT&T will by 1 billion in equipment over 3 years? You never know.
Also helps that Alcatel and Corning are helping finance the project. Give the big boys a big advantage.
Regards, Mark
Alcatel Awarded $1.5 billion Contract by i-21 for full Turnkey Pan-European Network
Alcatel To be Prime Contractor for All Aspects of Project, Provide DWDM Optical Technology and Full Network Integration
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 1999-- Alcatel (NYSE:ALA - news) today announced it has been awarded a $1.5 billion (EURO 1.44 billion) contract to provide and integrate a complete pan-European optical network for Europe's newest carrier, i-21 Future Communication.
Alcatel will provide a full 'turnkey' network to the carrier and will be responsible for all aspects of network integration for the venture - set to be Europe's largest fiber-optic based communications infrastructure. It will use Alcatel's world leading Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) optical technology. The majority of the network will be completed by December 2000.
The 20,900-Km network will reach over 70 European cities in 17 countries with 200 points of presence, using 8 million kilometers of the latest optical fiber. The i-21 network will provide Europe's most advanced broadband network and will offer carriers and ISP's a variety of services including unmanaged or 'dark' fiber, managed fiber, managed bandwidth and IP services.
Interoute Telecommunications, i-21's parent company, chose Alcatel to undertake the demanding project as the company was able to demonstrate its competence to provide the necessary project management skills, network planning and implementation capacity to realize the massive project quickly across Europe. As the network integrator Alcatel will also manage relationships with other suppliers, including companies such as Corning and will support the project with vendor financing.
Alcatel is able to offer comprehensive local support in every major European market with unrivalled knowledge of local conditions, the regulatory environment and existing infrastructure - allowing i-21 to maximize opportunities to secure rights of way and access to competitive infrastructure. Alcatel will in addition help i-21 with support and maintenance for the network.
''It was clear from an early stage of our discussion with Alcatel that they could offer us a comprehensive service, from helping us develop the initial concept to delivering the infrastructure'' said Ohad Finkelstein, Chairman and CEO of Interoute. ''Alcatels' geographic reach, range of technologies and proven ability to work with a variety of partners, including other suppliers, was a key factor in choosing them. They convinced us that they have the ability, the regional presence, the know-how and technology to deliver this massive and complex task within a demanding time scale.''
Commenting on the agreement for Alcatel, Christian Tournier, president of the company's Network Services operations, said, ''Alcatel is reinforcing its reputation as the leading provider of complete network solutions. In an increasingly competitive telecoms market, new 'Greenfield' carriers are entering the market and want reliable, innovative and responsive suppliers who can help them seize the opportunities open to them. Our ability to offer full turnkey network services, from planning to technical support, means we have been able to provide i-21 with the full service and technology they require to realize their vision, allowing them the freedom to concentrate on the services they want to provide to the market.''
As prime contractor Alcatel will be responsible for all aspects of network integration and will provide i-21 with a range of capabilities including network design, full project management and construction - including securing rights of way for the network. Alcatel will supply the associated cables and equipment including its DWDM optical technology and Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) transmission system and the support to run the network once it is completed and commissioned. i-21 will also use Alcatel's Network Management System (NMS) including fault management, configuration, accounting, performance and security management. The cable network will use the latest G.655 optical fiber including Corning's LEAF® and Alcatel's TeraLight(tm) products.
Carrier support services will include the full range of administration and maintenance including the provision of skilled and trained staff and the necessary technical back up.
Alcatel has an impressive list of clients for network service and DWDM transmission contracts around the world. Customers include Teleglobe (a European network using DWDM technology), Infostrada (a nationwide network for a major new entrant in the Italian telecoms market), Tele.Ring (Austria's newest mobile operator), DutchTone (a new mobile operator in the Netherlands) and major undersea cable networks using Alcatel's DWDM technology including GlobeNet's Atlantica 1 network, Flag Atlantic, Gemini, SEA-ME-WE 3 and Southern Cross.
About Alcatel
Alcatel (http://www.alcatel.com) builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 21.3 billion ($25.0 billion), Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
About Interoute
Interoute (http://www.interoute.co.uk) is a leading pan-European telecommunications group and is one of the fastest-growing in the world. Operating in 11 countries throughout Europe as well as North America, the group offers a wide range of communications services to business customers, residential users and other carriers. The group operates its own international network with switches in London and New York and is building national networks in selected countries. Interoute has more interconnects in the UK than any other carrier except BT and has full operating licenses and interconnect agreements in most major European countries. Interoute is a privately held company owned by a number of internationally based shareholders, the largest and majority shareholder being the Fondation de Famille Sandoz (http://www.sandozfondation.ch), one of the world's largest private family foundations. The Sandoz Foundation has also recently acquired a controlling interest in World Online, one of Europe's largest Internet Service Providers. Interoute and World Online are collaborating to bring a full range of telecoms and Internet-based services to their respective customers.
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Contact:
Alcatel
Press Office
Niall Hickey, +33 (0)1 40 76 11 56
Niall.Hickey@alcatel.fr
or
Investor Relations
Charlotte Laurent-Ottomane, +33 (0)1 40 76 13 30
Charlotte.laurent-ottomane@alcatel.fr
or
Stephane Mermet, +33 (0)1 40 76 16 04
Stephane.mermet@alcatel.fr
or
Michael Haase (US), 972/519-6855
mhaase@usa.alcatel.com
or
Interoute/ i-21
Firefly Communications
Michael Selwyn, Alexine Waspe or Nicola West
44 (0)1 71 381 4505
mselwyn@firefly.co.uk
awaspe@firefly.co.uk
nwest@firefly.co.uk
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