Alcatel Triples Capacity of its Multi-Service Cross Connect Within Existing Footprint

DALLAS, Nov. 20  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alcatel (NYSE: ALA; Paris: CGEP.PA) today introduced the latest release of its widely deployed multi-service cross-connect, the Alcatel 1671 Service Connect (SC). Release 4 of this industry-leading cross-connect solution offers an upgrade to 240 Gbps capacity -- three times the capacity of the previous release -- in a single matrix, while optimizing the multi-service aggregation capabilities of this platform.

Alcatel is recognized by the industry analyst firm Ovum-RHK as the worldwide and North American leader in the Optical Core Switch equipment category, which includes the 1671 SC.  In particular, Alcatel has been leading this market segment in North America for seven quarters in a row on a rolling four-quarter basis, with the 1671 SC constantly gaining traction across different segments, especially in wireless operators. Cingular is one of the service providers that utilizes the platform to meet the demands on its network for more capacity and to deliver new advanced services.

The Alcatel 1671 SC provides broadband (including broadband test access and support), narrowband and wideband grooming, as well as supports data services. Optimizing the multi-service aggregation capabilities of the platform, this capacity upgrade is performed in-service and utilizes the existing footprint, eliminating service impact and minimizing operational impact. Additionally, the combination of multiple grooming capabilities allows service providers to realize significant capital and operational savings.  The 1671 SC is managed by the 1350 management suite, which provides complete provisioning functionality, as well as capacity and inventory planning capability.

"Alcatel has designed its 1671 SC to be the most feature-rich and flexible multi-service cross-connect available today and the market has positively responded to the value it provides," said Steven Pickett, senior vice president and general manager of Alcatel's optical networking activities in North America. "We are committed to supporting the ongoing growth of our customer base with solutions like the 1671 Service Connect that can easily adapt to their evolving business needs with an emphasis on providing the most operationally efficient system."

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 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com/ 

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