Alcatel-Lucent and CNT to Enrich Communication in Ecuador by Deploying an Advanced 3G Mobile Broadband Network

PARIS, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext andNYSE: ALU) and Corporacion Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CNT EP) today announced the deployment of a new 3G mobile broadband network in Ecuador, providing a range of applications to subscribers.  The network is also intended to meet the rising demand for mobile broadband connectivity across the country.

Under this agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will work with CNT EP, a leading network service provider in Ecuador, delivering fixed and mobile services, to extend its network to deliver nationwide coverage.  The new mobile network will enable CNT to be the first in the country to offer its customers 'converged' services that can be accessed from both their fixed and mobile devices, at home or on the go. The network will also be 'LTE and lightRadio™-ready', another first in Ecuador, allowing CNT to offer even faster speeds and an even larger array of services, applications and devices, in the future.

Osvaldo Di Campli, president of Alcatel-Lucent activities in Latin America, said: "Our leading 3G mobile broadband solution offers a great way to connect people with the information and services the internet has to offer, and will improve the customers' experience both with basic services like traditional voice calling and text, as well as with more advanced applications made possible by the network. Our extensive 3G experience and expertise, coupled with our longstanding relationship with CNT, puts us in an ideal position to help CNT deliver competitive, efficient and high-performance wireless services to Ecuadorians."

Cesar Regalado, CNT EP General Manager, said that CNT EP decision to deploy its own network was based on market needs, technology trends and a commitment to offer competitive services to Ecuadorians. "Based on this platform, we will deliver differentiated voice, value added and mobile broadband Internet services. Additionally, we'll offer converged packages from our fixed and mobile networks providing our customers with a wide array of options. This network will support the new services portfolio from our commercial plans."

Under the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will design and deploy a complete end-to-end 3G W-CDMA network in the Pacific coastal and Southern area of Ecuador.  Alcatel-Lucent will also provide maintenance and network optimization services to help ensure a trouble-free network, allowing CNT to focus on their customers' requirements while taking advantage of Alcatel-Lucent's world-class operations experience.

A world leader in the design, deployment, management and integration of networks and a leading player in the mobile broadband infrastructure market, Alcatel-Lucent has deployed 350 commercial wireless networks worldwide, currently serving 73 W-CDMA operators in 53 countries including 5 of the top 10 W-CDMA operators by subscribers. Alcatel-Lucent has a deep rooted understanding of operators' needs as they evolve their networks to meet customers' growing demands. The launch of the advanced lightRadio platform in February 2011 provides operators with an ideal solution to handle increasing traffic loads while lowering costs and power consumption.   

About CNT
Corporacion Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, CNT S.A. was born in October 30, 2008, as a result of the merger of the now disappeared Andinatel S.A. and Pacifictel S.A. After more than one year, on January 14, 2010, CNT S.A. became a public company. On July 30, 2010 the company officially merged with mobile operator Telecsa (Alegro). Today, CNT is the leading telecommunications provider in Ecuador, offering both fixed and mobile telephony and Internet services, as well as pay TV.   If you would like to know more information about the company, please visit: www.cnt.gob.ec

ABOUT ALCATEL-LUCENT (EURONEXT PARIS ANDNYSE: ALU)
The long-trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments around the world, Alcatel-Lucent is a leading innovator in the field of networking and communications technology, products and services. The company is home to Bell Labs, one of the world's foremost R&D organizations, responsible for breakthroughs that have shaped the networking and communications industry. Alcatel-Lucent is committed to making communications more sustainable, more affordable and more accessible as we pursue our mission - Realizing the Potential of a Connected World.

With operations in more than 130 countries and one of the most experienced global services organizations in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The Company achieved revenues of Euro 15.3 billion in 2011 and is incorporated in France and headquartered in Paris.

For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com, read the latest posts on the Alcatel-Lucent blog http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/blog and follow the Company on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Alcatel_Lucent.

SOURCE Alcatel-Lucent