CapRock Communications and Alcatel Team to Build Next Generation Optical Fiber Network

Business Wire, May 31, 2000

Business Editors

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 2000

Integrated communications provider CapRock Communications (Nasdaq: CPRK), headquartered in Dallas, has chosen Alcatel (NYSE: ALA), a world leader in end-to-end voice and data communication solutions, to supply fiber optic cable to support its network expansion. The agreement will provide fiber for more than 2000 route miles of CapRock's planned 7,500-mile infrastructure.

CapRock's network extends throughout six states in the Southwest, bringing integrated communication services to over 16,000 business customers. Long-haul deployments complemented by metropolitan rings throughout the region also provide a digital pipeline for CapRock's nearly 170 carrier customers. Alcatel's TeraLight(TM) and Standard Single Mode Optical Fiber Cables will enable CapRock to reach its growing customer base and meet increasing demand for greater access speeds.

Ric Johnsen, Alcatel vice president of Cable Sales, recently commented on CapRock's selection of Alcatel as a key supplier in its next generation optical network. "This opportunity highlights two significant points for Alcatel. First, it enables Alcatel to demonstrate its ability to bring a global response to a North American customer, and secondly, it recognizes Alcatel's capability to bring enhanced optical technologies to the market. We look forward to supporting CapRock on this opportunity and in future initiatives."

TeraLight fiber optic cable has unique compatibility with dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and high-speed transmission rates of future networks. Uniquely designed to operate in the close channel spacings and wide wavelength spectrums of DWDM, TeraLight offers network operators greater than 240 channels of capacity in the C, L, and S bands with 10 Gbits/sec. for greater than 2.4 Tbits/sec. of bandwidth capacity. This next-generation fiber optic cable offers unprecedented flexibility in meeting future long-haul growth requirements through a combination of enhanced DWDM deployment and/or higher bit rates such as 40 Gbits/sec. Alcatel's innovation enables CapRock to continue expanding its network reach while assuring compatibility with tomorrow's technology.

"CapRock Communications is actively expanding its network to meet the needs of its growing customer base and the rising demand for access speed," according to Terry Coss, Alcatel vice president of CLEC Sales. "With its unparalleled ability to transport DWDM bit rates, Alcatel's TeraLight fiber cable solution will position CapRock to respond effectively to its increasing growth."

About CapRock Communications

CapRock is a southwestern U.S. facilities-based integrated communications provider (ICP) offering local, long-distance, Internet, data and private line services to business customers. The company also provides switched and dedicated access, regional and international long-distance, private lines, dark fiber and bandwidth to carrier customers. The company is building a 7,500-mile fiber network, as well as voice and data networks, throughout Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona. For more information, visit CapRock's web site at http://www.caprock.com.

About Alcatel

In the field of telecommunications and power cables, Alcatel offers products, systems and services that meet the growing requirements of three main markets: infrastructure, industry and construction. The batteries and components businesses also form part of this strategy of a global approach to markets, offering integrated solutions for clients who operate on an increasingly international basis.

Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data communications solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 23 billion in 1999, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on Internet: http://www.alcatel.com or for the US site, www.usa.alcatel.com