AlcaLu Wins in Uganda

PARIS -- Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced it has signed a contract with Uganda Telecom Ltd for the extension of its GSM/EDGE mobile network and for the deployment of the first third-generation UMTS/HSPA network in Uganda, one of the first such deployments in the East Africa region.

The enhanced network will enable Uganda Telecom to expand its service offerings with high-quality, mobile voice and high-speed broadband data services such as video streaming, access to corporate e-mail and intranets and many other new applications that can help generate additional revenue. These new services will enable Uganda Telecom to better meet the needs of both existing customers and visitors to the country, and will be deployed in time for the Summit of Head of States of the Commonwealth to be held in Uganda in November this year. Under the agreement Alcatel-Lucent also will increase network coverage and improve overall service quality for Uganda Telecom.

“The deployment of the first 3G/UMTS network in Uganda will enable us to enhance our network coverage in terms of capacity and quality of service because of the useful new services we will be able to offer people throughout the country,” said Abdulbaset Elazzabi, Managing Director of Uganda Telecom. “Uganda Telecom is dedicated to providing access to Ugandans, and with 3G, we will be able to provide high-speed connections to our customers and visitors on the go and therefore contribute to increasing broadband access in Africa.”

In a separate release:

PARIS -- Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced it has signed a USD100 million contract with Hits Telecom Uganda, a new regional operator, to deploy a new mobile network based on GSM technology. The contract also calls for Alcatel-Lucent to provide a full suite of managed services.

The turnkey network Alcatel-Lucent is deploying will enable Hits Telecom Uganda to introduce its services in Uganda in time for the Summit of the 53 Heads of States of the Commonwealth Countries, which will take place in November. Hits Telecom Uganda will be able to quickly expand its GSM offer throughout Africa and position itself as a best-in-class telecom service provider, focusing on excellent quality of services.

“Hits Telecom Uganda and Alcatel-Lucent share a common view regarding the role they can play in enhancing the communications services available to the people of Africa. We selected Alcatel-Lucent as our sole supplier because it is a worldwide leader in telecommunications solutions with the broadest wireless portfolio on the market and has great experience in this part of the world,” said Ahmed Darweesh Bin Dagher Al Marar, Chairman of the Board of Hits Telecom Uganda. “This project is also supported by IIH (International Investment House), a leading investment company in emerging countries and has mandated 1COM to manage the operations of Hits Telecom Uganda. 1COM is a European based company specialized in telecom management, consultancy and all related services,” he added.

Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU)