PARIS -- Alcatel (Paris: CGEP. PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that it has been awarded a contract by Jersey Telecom to deploy a new charging platform and a Short Message Service Centre (SMS-C), thus giving the incumbent operator in the Channel Island of Jersey the ability to deploy and charge for data, content and premium rate SMS. On this occasion, Alcatel is replacing Jersey Telecom’s existing SMS-C with an Alcatel solution that is capable of supporting Premium Rate SMS using the flexible rating capabilities of the OSP Rating Engine.

The Alcatel solution gives Jersey Telecom the ability to offer premium rate SMS as part of their portfolio. Jersey Telecom will also gain the ability to offer subscribers a variety of new services, which could include televoting and information services, music, ringtones, games and video clip downloads. The solution is based on the Alcatel 8690 Open Services Platform (OSP), a market proven platform widely deployed for supporting rapid development and deployment of high value end user services. The Alcatel 8690 OSP hosts all the key components of the solution, including the Alcatel 8618 Convergent Rating Engine and the Alcatel 8686 Specialised Resource Point (SRP), and provides Jersey Telecom with a single and fully integrated services platform.

Commenting on the announcement, Jerry Rabaste, Technology & Planning Director of Jersey Telecom Group Ltd commented: “We are committed to providing the Channel Islands with world class telecommunications services. Today’s announcement with Alcatel is the latest in a series of ongoing infrastructure investments designed to ensure that Jersey and Guernsey customers are provided with state-of-the-art telecommunications services.”

“The Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey are centres of excellence in world markets,” Jean-Michel Cornille, President of Alcatel’s mobile solutions activities added. “Alcatel’s leadership in next generation services platforms will provide Jersey Telecom with the right framework to offer quality services, innovative pricing and cost efficiency to all their customers”.

Alcatel