Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) and NEC Corporation
(NEC) (NASDAQ: NIPNY) will jointly deploy the Asia America Gateway
(AAG), the first direct Terabit submarine cable network between
Southeast Asia and the United States. Spanning over 20,000 km, AAG will
link Malaysia to the US via Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Hong
Kong, the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii and the West coast of the US Worth
approximately USD 500 million, the contract will deliver a cable network
spanning almost half the length of the equator.
The turnkey contract has been signed with a consortium formed by 10
parties including the Government of Brunei, AT&T (USA), Bharti
(India), CAT (Thailand), PLDT (Philippines), PT Telkom (Indonesia),
Telekom Malaysia (Malaysia), Telstra (Australia), StarHub (Singapore)
and VNPT (Vietnam). Alcatel-Lucent and NEC will design, manufacture,
install, integrate and commission the full network on a turnkey basis.
The project is scheduled to be completed by late 2008.
The new cable network is expected to meet the forecasted explosive
growth in bandwidth requirements for new and revolutionary broadband
applications such as IP, video, data, and other multimedia services. In
addition to providing full network diversity from the conventional cable
routes, which are normally connected via North Asia, the AAG will
provide a seamless direct link between the US and other Asian countries
via one single cable. Furthermore, it will provide connectivity and the
ability to be expanded in the future to Australia, India, Africa, and
Europe. International communications between the countries involved has
been growing rapidly, and is expected to benefit greatly from the
enhanced connectivity offered by the new cable network.
"This award further increases the significant track-record we
have developed since the beginning of the year and confirms our
leadership in the submarine cable industry. AAG will help operators
leverage a state-of-the art submarine infrastructure for the end-users
benefit," stated Jean Godeluck, president of Alcatel-Lucent's
submarine network activity. "We are confident that this new
project, rolled out in association with NEC, will further enable voice
and data communications, which are vital to support social and economic
development."
"NEC's award of the contract for the Asia America Gateway
Cable Network confirms our leadership in submarine cable construction
and our dedication to building an unmatched network in the Asia Pacific
region. NEC is confident that our partnership with Alcatel-Lucent brings
leading technology and field-proven expertise, empowering our customers
to provide the most advanced and reliable services to the end
users," said Masamichi Imai, Executive General Manager of the
Broadband Networks Operations Unit at NEC Corporation.
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) is one of the world's leading
providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business
solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and
global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key
fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its
technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced
semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC
Group employs more than 150,000 people worldwide.
For more information, visit http://www.nec.com.
About NEC's Submarine Network Systems
NEC Corporation is a leading supplier of the world's most
advanced submarine network systems - platforms vital to the realization
of next generation networks. With over 30 years of experience in
supplying total submarine cable solutions to customers in Japan and
abroad, NEC brings a wealth of technologies, know-how and resources to
each new project. In particular, NEC has managed the construction of
nearly all of the cable systems available today in Asia and the Asia
Pacific region.
About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) provides solutions
that enable service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, to
deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. As a
leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP
technologies, applications, and services, Alcatel-Lucent offers the
end-to-end solutions that enable compelling communications services for
people at home, at work and on the move. With operations in more than
130 countries, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The
company has the most experienced global services team in the industry,
and one of the largest research, technology and innovation organizations
in the telecommunications industry. Alcatel-Lucent achieved adjusted
proforma revenues of Euro 18.3 billion in 2006 and is incorporated in
France, with executive offices located in Paris. [All figures exclude
impact of activities transferred to Thales].
For more information, visit http://www.alcatel-lucent.com or call
908/582-7793.
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