Bostream Chooses Alcatel DSLAM

DALLAS -- Alcatel (NYSE:ALA), the world leader in broadband communications access solutions, has been selected by Bostream AB, Sweden's second-largest Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband operator, for a DSL network that enables delivery of high-value, broadband entertainment services over DSL -- including broadcast video. Bostream intends to use the Alcatel broadband solution to deliver high-speed services to subscribers in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo and other major cities throughout Sweden.

Bostream is one of the first service providers to deploy the Alcatel 7301 ASAM, the industry's highest capacity broadband access platform. Launched in May 2003, this is the fifth generation of Alcatel's industry-leading ASAM platform. The Alcatel 7301 ASAM extends bandwidth capacity to deliver video streaming, broadcast video, video on demand, and gaming.

One of the unique features of the Alcatel 7301 ASAM is its ability to act as a hub for multiple remote nodes, and cost-effectively aggregate DSL traffic from those nodes. Indeed, Bostream will deploy the Alcatel 7300 ASAM as remote network nodes to enable VDSL (very high bit rate DSL) to be delivered to customers in selected areas. VDSL delivers more than 50 Mb/s of bandwidth asymmetrically or shared bi-directionally. This makes VDSL particularly well suited to enabling this new broadband reality, where all forms of entertainment -- regardless of the service type -- can be delivered over the existing telephone lines. Bostream's DSL network is managed by the Alcatel 5523 AWS management system.

"We are delivering to Sweden the most advanced broadband network available," said Richard Burston, CEO, Bostream. "With the Alcatel ASAM family, it is now possible for Bostream to expand our product offering and, cost effectively, deliver a diverse range of services -- from premium business-oriented services to high-speed Internet access, gaming, audio and video services in the home. This represents a significant leap forward for broadband access across Sweden and an important development for our business and our customers."

"Alcatel is seeing very significant uptake for the Alcatel 7301 ASAM, the fifth generation of our world-leading broadband platform," said Michel Rahier, president of Alcatel's fixed networking activities. "We continue to invest in building solutions that are focused on our customers' needs. And as the broadband revolution takes root and flourishes around the world, we expect to see even more aggressive service providers such as Bostream delivering dynamic and lucrative new services based on Alcatel technology."

Alcatel SA