PARIS -- Alcatel (CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) and ITI, India’s premier telecommunications equipment manufacturer today announced the launch of the second production facility for Alcatel’s GSM BTS in India. This new facility implemented at the ITI factory in Rae Bareli, a district of Uttar Pradesh, has been inaugurated by Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, National Advisory Council, India, in the presence of Shri Dayanidhi Maran, Minister of Communications & Information Technology, along with Mr. Etienne Fouques, President of Alcatel’s mobile communications activities.

The first production facility was inaugurated in July 2005 at ITI Mankapur in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi in the presence of Mr. Serge Tchuruk, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alcatel. The Mankapur facility is equipped to manufacture up to 600 BTS per month. The Rae Bareli facility will enable ITI to double its BTS production capacity. This will help in meeting the growing demand for mobile solutions in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dayanidhi Maran said “ The relationship between Alcatel & ITI is part of our overall strategy to boost our R&D system and make India strong in manufacturing of technology products. This production facility will not only help to enhance the Telecom growth in the country, but, also bring economic & social development to the people of Rae Bareli.”

On this occasion Etienne Fouques, President of Alcatel’s mobile activities said: " With this enhanced production base in India, Alcatel-ITI partnership is contributing for growth of mobile telephony in India.” He further added, “A long time partner of Alcatel, ITI is asserting himself as one of the largest suppliers of GSM technology in India, enabling Indian mobile operators to provide world class and high quality services to their subscribers."

Alcatel