Cegetel, Alcatel do 8 Mbit/s Over DSL

PARIS -- Cegetel, France's first alternative national fixed telecommunications operator, in conjunction with Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA), has installed and activated an 8 Mbps DSL link between two pilot sites located in Paris and Lyon. This rate is four times the market standard DSL service and is a first for an operator in France.

The solution is achieved using SHDSL* technology, specifically by aggregating 4 copper pairs (2 Mbps each) into a single 8 Mbps link. The aggregation ability is made possible by the simultaneous use of SHDSL technology and inverse multiplexing ATM. The technology is integrated into the modems on the customer side. The Alcatel DSLAM in the network, which can easily accommodate the 8 Mbps bandwidth.

The first 8 Mbps SHDSL link allows Cegetel and Alcatel to confirm high network performance, in particular back and forth data transfer, in less than 20 milliseconds.

Once validated and industrialized, this solution will provide cost effective and easier ways for SMEs to inter-connect their multiple sites at 8 Mbps without the need of multiple leased lines or optical fibers. Because it uses Alcatel DSLAM equipment, already installed in Cegetel DSL infrastructure, this solution is highly competitive.

With this first trial, Cegetel, by partnering with Alcatel, the recognized world leader in DSL solutions, confirms its desire to offer new broadband services to its customers.

Groupe Cegetel