Marconi, Pirelli Partner

GENOA, Italy and MILAN, Italy -- Marconi Corporation plc (London: MONI and NASDAQ: MRCIY) and Pirelli Broadband Solutions today announced that they have signed a co-operation agreement to deliver next-generation network transmission solutions to telecommunications operators worldwide.

Under the terms of the agreement Marconi will provide to its customer base, as part of its comprehensive photonics offering, City8TM Multiservice Platform – CWDM Metro Access System, an innovative, carrier-class platform that addresses the most critical issues of the metro and access areas. Pirelli’s City8 TM platform is managed by Marconi’s Network Management System technology (ServiceOn), which allows to remotely manage an entire telecommunications network, thus increasing efficiency and reducing operating costs.

Today, high–bandwidth services such as IPTV and video are flooding the metro and access areas. By integrating Pirelli’s platform into the Marconi solution, telecom operators will be able to eliminate the bottlenecks in their metro and access areas and better manage the flow of broadband traffic. In addition, Pirelli’s CWDM technology allows to multiply bandwidth in the metro area, thus reducing operating costs

Giorgio Bertolina, managing director of Marconi Communications S.p.A., said, “This partnership sets the grounds for creating a true centre of excellence capable, starting from today, to bring an innovative and integrated metro core/metro access solution to the worldwide market and to Marconi’s customer base, represented by the most important telecoms operators.”

“The demand for our CWDM technology is proof that the strategy we are pursuing is the right one. Our CWDM technology is already deployed in several telecom networks and through this strategic partnership we expect to further extend our reach in the marketplace,” said Mauro Sacchetto, CEO of Pirelli Broadband Solutions. “Together, we can go to market with an attractive end-to-end photonics solution.

Marconi Corp. plc

Pirelli SpA