Alcatel Wins In Pacific

PARIS -- Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA), the world's fastest-growing GSM/GPRS supplier, announces today that it has signed a multi-million dollar contract with TSKL (Telecom Services Kiribati Limited), the national telecom service provider in Kiribati's Pacific islands, for the supply of their first cellular network. Under the terms of this contract, Alcatel will provide TSKL with its Evolium? solution including a Mobile Switching Center, base stations and a service node platform encompassing value added services such as prepaid and voice mail services. Alcatel will also supply TSKL with its new range of One Touch series of mobile phones, such as the One Touch 311, 511 and 715. This GSM/GPRS network is expected to be operational by the end of this year and will immediately support more than 2,000 subscribers, with full capability to be expanded in the future according to new market needs in the area. GSM coverage will initially be provided around Tarawa and the Christmas Islands, two of the most populated islands in Kiribati. "We chose Alcatel over other suppliers because they offer mobile operators a compelling end-to-end solution customized to our needs. Our cooperation with Alcatel will provide Kiribati inhabitants with advanced digital technology in terms of mobile networks," said Ieronimo Kienene, TSKL chief executive officer. "Alcatel's strong local presence in the Pacific Islands was another element we considered, as we are guaranteed of qualified services and a solid relationship." Alcatel SA