Alcatel awarded by TA Orange a contract worth more than USD 100

The  major  part  of  this  network expansion contract includes the turnkey
supply   of   more   EvoliumTM  base  stations  and  related  equipment  to
substantially  increase  coverage and capacity in Bangkok and the provinces by January 2004.

Building  upon  the advanced EvoliumTM solution installed under the turnkey contract  signed  with  TA  Orange  in  2001,  the  project also covers the extension  of the GPRS core network and the supply of  intelligent networks platforms,  value  added  services  and  related implementation works which support TA Orange's continuing growth.

To  further enhance service delivery, Alcatel will deploy its low-to-medium and  high-capacity  microwave radio systems for urban applications, as well as  Alcatel's  next-generation  Optical Multi-Service Node (OMSN) transport systems. Both transmission and microwave equipment will be monitored by the Alcatel  transport  network  management solution, which efficiently handles and manages the convergence of traditional and new-generation services over multi-technology, multi-service networks.

Under the project, Alcatel will also provide network maintenance service to ensure  the  delivery  of  the  highest  quality  of  service to the mobile end-users.

A  new application, Real Time Content Charging, operating on Alcatel's Open Service Platform, will enable TA Orange to charge postpaid and even prepaid end-users  for  voice  and data services in a totally flexible and reliable manner.  Thanks to this application, TA Orange will be able to apply a high charging flexibility to a wide range of mobile services according to either the  access  mode  (SMS, MMS, web, WAP), the request mode (Push or Pull) or the  type  of  service itself (news, logotype download, stock values alert, etc.).  This  will  ensure that TA Orange's clients will be able to enjoy a large choice of mobile applications and services.

The  investment  is  part  of  TA  Orange's  long-standing business plan to upgrade  the  existing  mobile  network, corresponding to a USD 239 million over the next two years. The decision to prioritize network enhancement was taken  in  response to extensive research into customer needs - analysis of customer  usage  patterns  revealed  where  extra  coverage  would  be most valuable.

"With  this  network  enhancement, TA Orange will significantly improve and enrich  the footprint of our network, both in Bangkok and in the provinces.
This project is a concrete example of TA Orange's dedication to quality and growth  and  our  long  term commitment to our customers and their needs, "
said  Khun  Supachai  Chearavanont,  Chairman  of  the  TA Orange Executive Committee.

 "We  are  pleased  to  continue  our  cooperation with TA Orange.  Alcatel understands  the  needs  of  a  contending operator facing the challenge of gaining and maintaining a market share. We therefore offer a complete range
of   advanced  mobile  solutions  that  optimize  capital  and  operational
expenditures." said Etienne Fouques, Alcatel's Executive Vice President and Vice  President  of  Mobile Communications Activities. "In addition, we are convinced  that  Alcatel's Real Time Content Charging application will open the door to new ARPU-boosting opportunities for TA Orange."

About Alcatel
Alcatel  provides  end-to-end  communications solutions, enabling carriers, service  providers  and enterprises to deliver content to any type of user,
anywhere   in   the   world.   Leveraging   its   long-term  leadership  in
telecommunications   network   equipment   as  well  as  its  expertise  in
applications  and  network services, Alcatel enables its customers to focus on  optimizing  their  service offerings and revenue streams. With sales of EURO 16.5 billion in 2002, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

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