360networks Awards Alcatel a Marine Maintenance Contract for Its 360americas; First Success for Alcatel's New Marine Maintenance Service
BusinessWire, 08/29/2000 12:38
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 2000--Alcatel (NYSE:ALA), a world leader in optical networking, and 360networks inc. have signed a contract for the marine maintenance of the 360americas network.
This contract is Alcatel's first in the field of customer after-sales activities for marine maintenance. This five-year agreement provides 360networks with a fully comprehensive back-up service from Alcatel, including cable fault and marine repair services to be provided by two cable vessels.
The undersea cable network ring, which links North and South America via the Atlantic ocean and spans more than 25,000 km, will be serviced by two specially dedicated ships. These state-of-the-art cable vessels, staffed by highly qualified technicians and a specialist crew, will be supplied by Alcatel with assistance from the Tele Danmark's marine division, which is currently being purchased by Alcatel. The service will start in October 2000 using a ship based in Brazil.
"We see this contract as a strategic relationship and a logical continuation of the contract we signed with Alcatel for the design, manufacturing and installation of our network," said Scott Lyons, vice-president of submarine systems at 360networks.
As a full turnkey supplier, Alcatel's move into maintenance has provided its customers with a tailor made response to their needs. Customers expressed a wish to benefit from continuous support throughout the life cycle of their project, that is, from the design, to the manufacturing, installation and the maintenance of their network. In addition, this maintenance service has the added benefit of delivering a rapid, high quality repair service.
"This contract is a great success for Alcatel since it clearly shows that a considerable level of interest is being generated by the services we're offering," said Jean Godeluck, president of Alcatel's submarine networks activities. "We aim at positioning ourselves as our clients' partner by providing them not only with system design and implementation but also with customized maintenance. Our recent investments in the marine field have involved a joint venture agreement with Louis Dreyfus Armateurs along with agreements with CTC to take 74% of their share capital and Tele Danmak to acquire their marine division, in order to offer our customers unique services. This contract is the first recognition of our strategy."
In addition, Alcatel's new marine maintenance services will offer a single point of contact for the services which will control and direct the fleet of ships for interventions for the 360americas system in the South Atlantic.
About 360networks
360networks (TSIX: NASDAQ and TSX: TSE) offers broadband network and co-location services to telecommunications and data communications companies. 360networks is developing one of the largest and most technologically advanced fiber optic mesh networks in the world. By mid-2002, the network will measure 126,000 kilometers (77,900 miles) and link more than 100 major cities with terrestrial routes in North America and Europe, and undersea cables linking North America, South America, Asia and Europe. 360networks is also developing nearly two million square feet of network co-location space. More information is available at www.360.net
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 is the world leader in delivering full turnkey submarine network solutions and services. Alcatel leads this industry in terms of:
-- having the highest sold capacity up to 5.12 Tbit/s for the
long-haul systems and 3.6 Tbit/s for the short-haul ones,
using the latest DWDM technology;
-- having the largest manufacturing capacity at 85,000 km per
year strategically located around the Globe;
-- managing 11 dedicated purposed-designed vessels for a tight
control on the delivery schedule.
Current contracts, worth US$ 4.5+ billion, include the most advanced undersea networks in the world today: Atlantica-1 and FLAG Atlantic-1 systems in the Atlantic, the FLAG Pacific-1, Japan-US and Southern Cross transpacific systems, and the MAC and MAYA-1 systems in the Americas and the SAT-3 around Africa.
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. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: alcatel.com
CONTACT: Alcatel (Media)
Brian Murphy, 972/519-6677
Brian.murphy@usa.alcatel.com |
