PARIS -- Alcatel (Paris : CGEP.PA and NYSE : ALA) today confirmed that it is expanding the number of its partners in the WiMAX eco-system. Furthering its early commitment to universal WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e-2005), Alcatel adopted an Open CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) Policy in order to give its customers the optimum choice of terminal devices in terms of time-to-market, price and features – pledging to assure interoperability with the largest number of third-party suppliers possible.

Alcatel is already actively engaged in integrating its Evolium® WiMAX solution infrastructure with leading IEEE 802.16e WiMAX chipset manufacturers such as Intel, Runcom, Sequans Communications, Beceem, as well as various device manufacturers including Zyxel powered by Runcom ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Agreements not only cover operability tests but also information sharing on product features and roadmaps, as well as commercial agreements to assure competitive offers pairing networks and end-user devices.

Alcatel's universal WiMAX customers can already benefit of this open cooperation with the availability of Zyxel PCMCIA cards (for laptop PCs) and residential gateways supporting both PC connectivity and VoIP/SIP telephony.

The roadmap shared within Alcatel's eco-system of partners covers a great diversity of terminals ranging from PC adapters such as PCMCIA cards, indoor and outdoor CPEs to more advanced devices such as PDAs, multimedia devices and gaming consoles. It also includes the integration of embedded WiMAX technology into laptops, multi-mode handsets and other devices.

Sylvie Richir, Vice President of Alcatel Broadband Wireless Access activities noted: "The pace of market adoption that we're seeing for the WiMAX technology is pretty remarkable. Alcatel had the foresight to commit to WiMAX (802.16e-2005) early, and make the necessary strategic moves to be ready. By getting real devices into customers' hands, Alcatel will be accelerating speed to market, optimizing costs and sourcing, enabling them to take full advantage of this technology. Recent WiMAX announcements from major carriers in the US show that the market is now validating Alcatel's position that WiMAX (802.16e-2005) is the standard for Universal WiMAX as a solid technology option for today and for the long term."

Alcatel is already involved in WiMAX trials with service providers on every continent.

Alcatel is also participating to the WiMAX Forum™ Plugfests which provide vendors with the opportunity to inter-work their respective products and equipment and improve testing scenarios and capabilities in a technology standard. Alcatel was present at the Mobile Public Plugfest held in Bechtel Labs, Frederic Maryland, USA from 24 September until 1st October 2006.

Alcatel (NYSE: ALA; Paris: CGEP:PA)