Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced that it has been awarded a Euro 22 million contract by Togo Cellulaire, the leading mobile operator in Togo to extend their network capacity in GSM and to build the first 3G wireless broadband network in the country. The new network, which will be deployed by the end of 2010, will enable Togo Cellulaire to offer advanced mobile broadband services to over 2.2 million subscribers and businesses throughout the country.

“We look forward to Alcatel-Lucent’s converged technologies and professional services to support the delivery of advanced, high-speed 3G services that will support economic development throughout our country,” said Atcha-Dedji Affoh, chief executive officer of Togo Cellulaire.

Since 1998, Alcatel-Lucent has been supplying Togo Cellulaire with advanced mobile solutions including radio access, core network and applications such as personalized ring back tones, mobile email and billing.

Alcatel-Lucent will provide a full end-to-end turnkey solution including its converged radio access network (RAN) and transport solution while smoothly introducing its 3G/HSPA technologies. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide a full set of professional services including network planning, radio design and operation and maintenance optimization.

“This new contract further strengthens our long-standing cooperation with Togo Cellulaire and highlights their confidence in our comprehensive solutions and local support capabilities. Togo Cellulaire will leverage Alcatel-Lucent’s experience in delivering advanced wireless networks in Africa and globally as well as our professional services expertise,” said Amr El Leithy, head of Alcatel-Lucent’s activities in Africa and the Middle East.

Alcatel-Lucent is a leading player in the wireless infrastructure market having deployed 350 commercial wireless networks worldwide. The company is also a world leader in the design, deployment, management and integration of networks.

source:C114