CAIRO, Egypt -- The Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Minister of Education, Lucent Technologies (NYSE:LU), and TeleTech today announced plans to deploy a broadband wireless trial network designed to deliver high-speed data services to schools under the Egyptian Educational Initiative (EEI). The Ministers attended a formal demonstration of the technology marking the start of the trial.

Lucent will work with its partner TeleTech to deliver a next-generation CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) and WiFi trial network. The trial network complements Telecom Egypt's CDMA2000 1X network in the El Max area and provides a solution that meets the challenges associated with deploying a wireline-based broadband network in Egypt. Lucent Worldwide Services is performing the network integration and installation services for the CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network. The trial network will enable wireless data services such as broadband Internet access, e-mail and distance learning at very high speeds to students and educators.

"We are delighted to be working closely with the Ministry and TeleTech to bring high-speed data access to Egypt's school children and look forward to ensuring the network plays a key role in the communications life of Africa's most populous nation," said Talmage Bursh, president Lucent Technologies Middle East and Africa. "This network will make it possible for Egypt's schools to participate in long distance learning programs, conduct online research and collaboration globally, and access the Internet at very high speeds."

Lucent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: LU)