Kazakhtelecom Uses AlcaLu

PARIS -- Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced it has signed a contract with Kazakhtelecom JSC, the leading fixed incumbent service provider in Kazakhstan, to deploy a Next Generation Network (NGN) in Shimkent and Petropavlovsk, two major cities in the country. As a result of this deal, Alcatel-Lucent will support Kazakhtelecom’s transformation of their current TDM network into a service-oriented network based on innovative, next-generation technology. The new network is scheduled for commercial operation by the end of 2007.

The new network will be used as a foundation for providing a full range of state-of-the-art advanced services based on IP technologies.

Kazakhtelecom has recently completed construction of the international NGN backbone, which connects all international switches. The NGN network will be base on IP technologies and this will enable Kazakhtelecom to extend their international network in a more efficient and economical mode. Based on this, the operator can develop local NGN networks in the future. Implementation of this project will help Kazakhtelecom align with worldwide leading telecom operators.

“This next generation network is a significant step forward in the development of the telecommunications infrastructure in Shimkent and Petropavlovsk and an important milestone in our large-scale network transformation," said Alexander Lezgovko, Vice President and CTO Kazakhtelecom JSC. “Kazakhtelecom is the first operator in a CIS country to have transformed their international network from TDM to an NGN network on a national scale, and Alcatel-Lucent's industry-leading solution will help us deliver new, user-centric broadband services and facilitate a smooth migration of our network to packet technologies.”

“The Alcatel-Lucent solution will allow Kazakhtelecom to meet growing demands in residential and business segments for the next wave of telecommunication services while reducing operating expenses through improved network efficiency,” said Askar Nasiev, head of Alcatel-Lucent in Central Asia and Kazakhstan. “We are proud of our 15-year strategic partnership with Kazakhtelecom, which is a perfect example of the added value our technological innovation and deployment experience can bring to our customers.”

Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU)