Telecom Italia powers up regional networks with ALA optical
solutions
Paris, February 7, 2001 - Telecom Italia, the main Italian telecom operator, and Alcatel (Paris:
CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA), world leader in intelligent optical networking, announced today the
signature of a 110 million euro contract to deploy Alcatel's brand-new SDH (Synchronous
Digital Hierarchy) transmission systems, supervised by a single network management platform,
across Telecom Italia's 10 regional areas.
The expansion - scheduled for completion in 2002 - will dramatically increase Telecom Italia's
network capacity and efficiency, while adding IP/ATM functionality to deliver a wider and
richer set of high-capacity data and Internet services.
Alcatel will supply its state-of-the-art SDH multi-service nodes which are part of the Optinex
family, the Alcatel breed of world-class transmission solutions. These systems will operate at
transmission speeds of 10Gbps - carrying up to 120,000 phone calls simultaneously - and will
support increased volumes of traffic along the new high-performance and technology
advanced regional infrastructures. The systems can evolve to provide IP routing and ATM
forwarding capabilities to effectively support the open-standard services that convey voice
and data transmission together.
Alcatel will also supply its innovative access solution, based on the new Litespan family of
multi-service access nodes, which satisfy users' demand for narrowband and broadband
services. These systems are flexible enough to allow for the design of tailored solutions
according to the single operator's requirements, therefore adapting the services to
subscribers' needs in a cost effective manner.
All the systems provided will be managed by Alcatel's integrated network management
platform, ensuring continuity of transmission and efficient management along the network.
"Being innovative, dynamic and global are our guidelines to cope with the demand of a
constantly growing market" said Stefano Pileri, Network Director Wireline Services of Telecom
Italia. "Alcatel's multi-service solutions are at the leading edge of the IP/ATM integration process
and will enable us to offer our customers multiple applications and services."
"The agreement cements our long-lasting relationship with Telecom Italia, setting its roots in a
shared vision encompassing customer orientation, competence and professionalism", stated
Jean-Marie Vansteenkiste, President of Alcatel's terrestrial networks activities. "Alcatel is
committed to help it reap the benefits of advanced technologies and be attuned to the
e-revolution thanks to our leading-edge multi-service optical solutions".
About Telecom Italia S.p.A
Telecom Italia S.p.A is the parent company of the Telecom Italia Group, an industrial complex
that operates in the most significant areas of Information & Communication Technology.
Telecom Italia S.p.A is a provider of fixed-wire telephony products and services in its home
market and internationally. Its presence spans the business and consumer markets, with a
comprehensive range of basic services and products, Internet, data transmission, access
systems (ADSL, broadband, etc.) and value added services.
With over 26.7 million connections to the fixed-wire network, Telecom Italia S.p.A. is the Italian
market leader and one of the world's principal operators.
The Telecom Italia network avails of the latest technologies to bring terrestrial, satellite and
wireless transmissions seamlessly together.
In the financial year 1999, Telecom Italia achieved a turnover of 35,856 billion lire (16,910 billion
in the first half of 2000), yielding net profits of 5,050 billion lire (1,352 billion in the first half of
2000). At the end of 1999, EBITDA stood at 15,446 billion (and at 7,307 billion lire at the end of
the first half of 2000).
In a highly competitive market with fast-growing number of licensed operators, Telecom Italia is
keen to make the most of the opportunities that a dynamic market brings, to build on its
leadership as the main provider of voice services, and to become and end-to-end ICT company
in the data transmission sector.
The strategy for achieving these goals is based on the development of new Internet and
data-transmission businesses, innovation in access systems (ADSL, broadband and so forth),
and in the supply of value-added services.
About Alcatel
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 130,000 employees and sales of EURO 31 billion in 2000, Alcatel operates in
more than 130 countries.
Alcatel is the only vendor to master all optical network elements, from optical components,
optical fibers and DWDM systems to core routers and network intelligence, and from terrestrial
to submarine solutions. Alcatel is also the only company to provide both terrestrial and marine
services for the installation and maintenance of global, seamless optical networks.
According to RHK's 2000 study, Alcatel holds the number two position in global optical
transport market with 20% market share, distancing itself from all other competitors. RHK also
reported that Alcatel reaffirms its number one position in submarine networks with 41%
worldwide market share. Moreover, Alcatel claims to be the world leader in total terrestrial and
submarine DWDM systems, in digital cross-connects, which contain the enabling technology
for operators to offer high bandwidth services, and in SDH networks. Alcatel's optics
business comprises terrestrial and submarine transmission systems, fiber optics and optical
components. Alcatel has launched a new class of Alcatel stock which is intended to track the
performance of Alcatel Optronics, the Company's optical component business.
Contact press@www.alcatel.com |
