Three of the world's largest technology & telecommunications specialists join forces with Saudi Arabia's number one STC

The partnership will give STC an extra 250,000 DSL lines by mid 2006 and will cover 75% of the KSA and offer more network capacity to service even more customers. As part of the companies continued commitment to change and development, 2006 will see a new era in DSL and each one of the new partners will play a key role in.

Over the next twelve months Alcatel will deploy nationwide a total of 170,000 DSL ports that will enable STC to meet growing customer demand. This represents the largest DSL contract in the region in terms of ports.

Michel Rahier, president of Alcatel's fixed communications activities, commented:

"The Middle East is a key area for broadband development, with large increases in the number of broadband subscribers, and a clear path towards triple play. This contract underlines the key role Alcatel plays in the further expansion of broadband in the region. STC recognizes in Alcatel a strategic partner that guarantees the combination of a global competence, state-of-the-art technology, and a significant integration experience in broadband."

Cisco Systems Inc the worldwide leader in networking for the internet will be implementing its IP/MPLS (MultiProtocol Label Switching) solution to build the core of STC's new wireless broadband service, giving consumers an even greater choice of services. The new system will be installed in 23 sties and will cover the Kingdom by the first quarter of 2006.

Dr Badr Al Badr, General Manager - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Cisco Systems said, "The kingdom is at the vortex of rapid transformation in its telecom sector and there is a considerable demand for advanced data services. Cisco Systems is elated at the prospect of designing the core network backbone that will usher in a new era of broadband services in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Lucent Technologies will integrate its AnyMedia® Access System and WiMAX (a standards based technology that provides high-throughout broadband connections over long distances enabling the delivery of the last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to a cable) which is expected to bring more value-added features to STC's data services subscribers, providing world class services to both consumers and business users. The implementation will start with Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Provinces in early 2006 and by the end of the year it will cover the whole of the Kingdom.

"We are very proud to have been selected by STC to provide solution that enhances the DSL user experience. STC has always been on providing its customers with the latest technology and best available solutions to ensure an unparallel user experience. Lucent and STC have been working together in many projects over the years and we will continue providing our best level of services and support", said Talmage Bursh, President MEA region, Lucent Technologies.

The Saudi consumer will benefit from these partnerships the most and will be able to look forward to and enjoy a multitude of services in the future. This will enable consumers to enjoy such services as triple play, video streaming, webcasting, leading edge multi player gaming and all types of voice services, ranging from traditional to voice-over-broadband.

President of STC, Eng. Khalid Al Molhem, comments. "This is a milestone in our company's development; we are committed to developing and offering services that will enrich the lives of our valued and loyal customers. By entering into these agreements with our new partners, we will be able to deliver features that will match our customers evolving and dynamic lifestyle"

Over the past six years Saudi Telecom Communications (STC) has grown its global market share and achieved phenomenal growth. The company is now officially the largest telecom's business in both Saudi Arabia and the GCC and is definitely leading the way in the field of communications, the signing of these new contracts reinforces its market position as the regional leader and a global player.