3G Pilot In Tunisia

1st July , 2004

Europe : Alcatel announced that it has been chosen by Tunisia to set up a 3G/UMTS pilot project. This step consolidates the partnership between Alcatel and the Tunisian ministry of communication technologies, and is evidence of a long lasting collaboration developed over many years in the country's telecommunications sector, and in the mobile domain in particular.

The 3G/UMTS pilot project is part of the preparation for the World Summit on the Information Society to be held in Tunis in November 2005, and strengthens Alcatel's position as a major player in bridging the digital divide.

From the first step of this agreement, Alcatel EvoliumTM 3G/UMTS solutions will enable the CERT (Tunisian telecommunications study and research center) to offer new, innovative and powerful high speed UMTS services, such as video telephony between multimedia terminals (voice, pictures and video), videoconferencing, web browsing, music or picture downloading, video streaming and chat.

Alcatel will supply and deploy the UMTS Radio Access Network (UTRAN) of the UMTS pilot network, including UMTS Multi-Standard Evolium™ Base Stations (Node Bs), the Evolium™ Radio Network Controller (RNC) and the UMTS Operation and Maintenance Center (UMTS OMC-R). It will also comprise core network systems (packet and circuit) and associated multimedia equipment. Alcatel will also provide full technical support throughout the duration of the tests.

"Tunisia aims to bring itself into line with the most sophisticated services through technological developments, rationalization of investments and operating costs. We have chosen Alcatel for its experience and expertise in UMTS and our long-lasting collaboration developed over many years" stated Mr Ali Ghodhbani, chief executive officer of the CERT.

"This is Africa's first 3G pilot network" declared Olivier Picard, Alcatel chief operating officer for Africa, France, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. "We are extremely pleased to have been chosen and contribute in this way to bridging the digital divide."

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 to their employees. Alcatel leverages its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services to bring value to its customers in the framework of a broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.5 billion in 2003, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

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