O2 Germany Picks Alcatel

PARIS -- Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA), the world leader in point-to-point microwave radio systems, and O2 Germany, a subsidiary of mmO2 plc (NYSE: OOM) - a leading provider of mobile communications in Europe, today announced the signature of a frame agreement to build up a part of O2 Germany's nationwide backhaul transmission network infrastructure in Germany. Alcatel's microwave radio systems will connect the mobile base stations (Node B) and radio network controllers (RNC) of the O2 Germany third-generation (3G) universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) network. Their implementation will enable 02 Germany to deliver a wide range of broadband and UMTS-based services quickly and efficiently. Under the terms of the frame agreement, Alcatel will supply its plesiochronous digital hierarchy (PDH) low-to-medium capacity microwave radio systems, and synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) radio equipment, suitable for deployment in both urban and regional areas. The network will be managed by Alcatel's network management platform to ensure cost-effective traffic control throughout the UMTS backhaul."O2 Germany is happy to have signed this contract and is sure to fully benefit from Alcatel`s transmisson solution while providing the highest technical quality and reliability", said Karl-Wilhelm Rohrsen, CTO O2 Germany."We are delighted to cooperate with O2 in Germany in expanding its network capability to deliver 3G UMTS services in Germany by placing our turnkey experience and end-to-end microwave solutions at its service" stated Bruno Piacentini, President of Alcatel's wireless transmission activities. "As microwave radio systems are playing a key role in today's backhaul transmission for UMTS infrastructures, this award further confirms Alcatel's expertise in this technology." O2 Ltd. Alcatel SA