PARIS -- France Telecom announces the commercial service launch of Alpal-2, the submarine cable system linking Algiers and Palma de Mallorca, thus securing the telecom link between Algeria and Europe. Alpal-2 is 312 kilometers long and links Algiers (landing station in El Djemila) and Palma, in the Mallorca Island (landing station in Ses Covetes) with a maximum capacity of 160 Gbit/s. Using the DWDM technology (Dense Wave Division Multiplexing), each of the four fiber optic pairs allows 4 wavelengths at 10 Gbit/s. In the Mediterranean sea, it is the longest submarine cable without amplifiers. It is designed to integrate DWDM transmission with existing and future systems, including integrated remote pumping technology. Jean-Philippe Vanot, Head of France Telecom Long Distance, reminds the objectives of this cable system : "Alpal-2 provides France Telecom with a state-of-the-art, high performance link with Algeria. This new cable enhances our international network infrastructure, securing the route using the Sea Me We 2 cable system. It also provides additional capacity to accommodate the expected growth in multimedia traffic throughout the Mediterranean region." The total cost of the system amounts to approximately EUR 16.6 million. France Telecom's investment represents 25 percent of this amount, or approximately EUR 4.1 million. Pirelli was the selected supplier of the system. France Telecom SA Pirelli SpA