German operator Arcor to replace its Intelligent Network platform with Alcatel's




Paris, -/14 March, 2005 - Wi-Fi Technology News/- Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) announced that the German network operator and service provider Arcor, will replace its existing IN (Intelligent Network) platform with Alcatel's next generation service delivery platform. With this contract, Arcor is upgrading its existing IN infrastructure with the objective of creating a modern, flexible, and open service delivery platform.

A service delivery environment is a framework through which network operators deploy, manage, export and personalize applications and services. The new IN platform will enable Arcor to quickly launch a set of new and attractive service packages for both the consumer and SME markets including products such as multimedia or pre-paid services. Arcor provides residential customers with voice services and high-speed Internet access via DSL. Arcor offers its business customers a broad range of voice and data services such as teleconferencing, flexible bandwidth for Internet access, e-mail services and VPNs. In addition, Arcor has plans to provide residential customers with triple-play services and SME's with a full range of managed communications services in the future.

"With the new IN platform, we are now able to quickly phase in attractive services. It is important to us that our existing service offering remain constant and that we are able add new service packages and move towards IP networks on our terms," said Georg Benzer, CTO of Arcor. "We need a migration concept that will remain viable in the future and will allow us to integrate solutions from the partners we choose."

Alan Mottram, President of Alcatel's fixed solutions activities, added: "This agreement confirms that a smooth transition while keeping existing services in operation is a key requirement for service providers. With the Open Services Platform, Arcor will be able to capitalize on a state-of-the art, flexible and open service platform that enables new triple play and other attractive services and also allows existing IN services to be deployed in future NGN networks."

Under the terms of the contract, Alcatel will be delivering the Alcatel 8690 Open Services Platform (OSP) with the 8690 External Statistic Server to support current IN services and future service introductions. With over 300 live deployments worldwide, the OSP makes Alcatel a leader in the service delivery segment. The platform is part of Alcatel's Open Path to Enhanced Networking (OPEN) portfolio, which satisfies the market demand for new revenue generating services.

About Arcor
Arcor AG & Co. KG is the second largest fixed-line telecommunications provider in Germany. The main shareholders in Arcor are Vodafone Group Plc, Deutsche Bahn AG and Deutsche Bank AG. With its Germany-wide voice and data network, Arcor uses the latest technologies to offer its private and corporate customers a full range of services for voice, data and multimedia transfer. The Arcor Group includes Arcor, the city carriers Isis (D?sseldorf) and Netcom Kassel. For more information: http://www.arcor.de

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks; applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.3 billion in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.