SFR Trials GPON BackhaulSFR Trials GPON Backhaul

Paris -— Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) and SFR today unveiled a world first in Paris: the use of a high-speed HSDPA network (14 Mbps downstream) based on a GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) FTTU (Fiber-To-The-User) backhauling solution from Alcatel-Lucent.

This optical access solution – the most advanced of its kind on the market today – enables SFR to enjoy a very high downstream rate, suitable for new professional mobile uses such as viewing a virtual desktop on a 3G terminal.

“SFR is keen to stay at the forefront of innovation to provide its customers with the most attractive services out there. This demonstration with Alcatel-Lucent confirms that our mobile network is now ready to offer a new range of advanced services, thanks to an efficient high-quality access solution that will transform the user experience,” said Pierre-Alain Allemand, SFR’s Executive VP for Networks. “Alcatel-Lucent’s GPON platform means we can offer our customers more value while at the same time optimizing our operating costs.”

“As SFR’s technology partner in very high-speed access, we take great pleasure in this new collaboration with SFR, designed to bring the benefits of GPON technology to its HSDPA mobile network. It consolidates our position as the leader in the FTTU market worldwide, and especially in France,” added Alcatel-Lucent France CEO Pierre Barnabé. “With our solutions, SFR benefits from the most modern access technology that the market has to offer, while reducing its operational costs thanks to highly efficient processes and procedures.”

Alcatel-Lucent is the worldwide leader in the fixed broadband access market, supporting the largest mass deployments of video, voice and data services. Today, one out of three fixed broadband subscribers around the world is served through an access network provided by Alcatel-Lucent. Alcatel-Lucent is currently involved in over 90 FTTU projects worldwide, over 75 of which use GPON technology. Alcatel-Lucent is also, through its Services business, a global leader in network design, deployment, installation and maintenance.

“With this initiative, SFR advances even further as a general operator, associating its fixed and mobile networks. The initiative increases the capacity of its HSDPA network and combines very high-speed mobile service with very high-speed fixed service via optical fiber. It strengthens our leadership in the area of innovation and implementation of the most advanced network technologies. This innovation supports the ambitions of the New SFR, which is enhancing its network, making it self-managing from end to end and preparing it to meet the requirements of tomorrow's user,” concluded Pierre-Alain Allemand.

Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU)

SFR