Linkem selects Alcatel-Lucent to provide WiMAX network

Telecomworldwire, June 17, 2008

TELECOMWORLDWIRE-17 June 2008-Linkem selects Alcatel-Lucent to provide WiMAX network(C)1994-2008 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com

Communications solutions provider Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris: ALU) (NYSE: ALU) announced on Monday (16 June) that it has been selected by Linkem Spa, a wireless broadband service provider in Italy, to provide a turnkey WiMAX 802.16e-2005 network (also called Rev-e) in the Lazio Region, Italy.

According to the company, Alcatel-Lucent's WiMAX solution will provide Linkem with a new access technology enabling the operator to connect the still unconnected regions and provide citizens, enterprises and public offices with high-speed broadband access and services. It will help the company to contribute to reducing the digital divide, in this way promoting the economic and social development within the 13 Italian regions, where it holds the required licenses and frequencies.

Alcatel-Lucent is to provide a complete WiMAX Rev-e infrastructure solution, including the radio access network, microwave backhaul and IP routers that will cover a selected area in the Lazio region and will support VoIP and high-speed Internet access. The company will provide Linkem with full support capabilities, including WiMAX planning expertise, site and technology implementation services, operation and maintenance.

The company's 802.16e-2005 WiMAX solution has reportedly been selected because of its higher efficiency in supporting fixed communications, while supporting nomadic traffic, and for its interoperability capability with standard commercially available CPE (customer premises equipment).

Terracina, in Latina Province, is scheduled to be the first city reached by the service. No financial details were disclosed.

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