Alcatel to deploy submarine optical network for Orascom Telecom

Scheduled for service in the second Half of 2005, the new submarine cable network will connect Marseille in France to Algiers and Annaba in Algeria spanning nearly 1,300 km and further improving the connectivity between Algeria, European and all international networks.

The project further strengthens the long-lasting cooperation between Alcatel and Orascom Telecom, which has involved deployment of several GSM networks and the first broadband EDGE (Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution) services ever provided in the African continent.

Under the terms of the contract, Alcatel will install its submarine line terminal and Optical Multi-Service Node equipment at the cable network's landing points. The deployment of this solution will also enable Orascom Telecom to benefit from new bandwidth for backhauling regional mobile traffic. Both the submarine and terrestrial equipment will be managed by Alcatel's 1350 management suite, which will ensure efficient and cost-optimized monitoring of network operations. Additionally, Alcatel will provide a comprehensive set of services including marine and terrestrial installation, commissioning and integration, as well as training services.

"Orascom Telecom is expanding its telecommunication infrastructure in order to offer the best and most advanced services to its customers" stated Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO of Orascom Telecom. "We chose Alcatel because of its end-to-end submarine solution that met our strict requirements for high quality products and services, and proven project management expertise."

"Alcatel's integrated optical networking solution will allow Orascom Telecom to enjoy enhanced network capacity to fuel the roll out of advanced services to a larger customer base, at faster speeds and more cost-effectively" said Jean Godeluck, President of Alcatel's submarine network activity. "This award further strengthens Alcatel's commitment to implement full turnkey networks from system design and survey to complete build-out and network commissioning."