PARIS, October 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced that WILLCOM Inc., Japan's leading mobile network operator, has selected Alcatel Lucent's next-generation IP service router portfolio as the foundation for its wireless IP network. The Alcatel-Lucent service routers will enable WILLCOM to support increased traffic growth and new advanced service features required for the commercial launch of their next-generation wireless services, eXtended Global Platform (XGP) in October 2009.

Preparation for the launch of our XGP has been progressing steadily, with the Alcatel-Lucent's solution performing very well in the core and edge of our IP network. It is meeting the high standards we need to provide our customers the kind of quality services they can expect from us, said Yoshiki Chika, Director, Executive Vice President, WILLCOM Inc. We have selected Alcatel-Lucent because its solution will enable us to drive future network trends and introduce new features on our scalable IP core and edge network layers, catering to the anticipated huge bandwidth growth demand in the market. Furthermore, we are re-assured by Alcatel-Lucent's non stop routing features enabling us to offer high quality service as well as network stability to our customers.

Alcatel-Lucent deployed its 7750 and 7710 Service Routers (SR) into the core and edge of WILLCOM's network following a series of stringent test and evaluations, including a field trial for more than a year with Itochu Techno Solutions Corporation (CTC). The Alcatel-Lucent IP/MPLS service-oriented architecture provides WILLCOM with a resilient, highly differentiated network with the powerful quality of service required for innovative, next-generation wireless IP services.

Alcatel-Lucent leverages its leadership in fixed network transformation and best-in-class IP portfolio to serve mobile operators such as WILLCOM and helps them successfully launch new IP-based services, said Martin Jordy, President of Alcatel-Lucent in Japan.

Alcatel-Lucent partnered with Itochu Techno Solutions Corporation (CTC) for the testing and deployment phase of the project. We are glad to participate in this critical migration project, which paves the way to WILLCOM's XGP network, said Tohru Nakano, Director and Executive Vice President of CTC. We are fully committed to the project, working with Alcatel-Lucent and leveraging its highly reliable and scalable IP services solution.

Over 230 service providers in more than 90 countries around the world have selected the Alcatel-Lucent IP/MPLS portfolio as key elements of their IP transformation. According to Ovum RHK, Alcatel-Lucent holds the No. 2 position in the IP/MPLS Edge market segment.

About XGP

XGP (eXtended Global Platform) is a wireless broadband communications based on current PHS (Personal Handy Phone) with additions of advanced technologies such as OFDM and MIMO. WILLCOM has named the commercial branding name of XGP as WILLCOM CORE (Communication Of Revolution Evolution) and aims to be the CORE of your communications and business by evolving to an open broadband based on the revolutionary technology of microcell network made up of 160k base stations like PHS. Also, XGP has been standardized at PHS MoU Group and has been recommended as a Broadband Wireless Access system by ITU (XGP: ITU-R M. 1801).

About WILLCOM Inc.

WILLCOM is Japan's leading telecom operator in providing mobile data communications with PHS (Personal Handyphone System). In addition to data communications, a series of new services is introduced into the market such as WILLCOM Flat Plan, Japan's first voice flat rate plan started in May 2005. Current total number of subscribers surpasses 4.6 million (as of end of January 2008).

URL: http://www.willcom-inc.com

About Itochu Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC)

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC) is a solution service provider having strengths in building front-end backbone systems and large scaled platform systems, application development based on various business knowledge, and outsourcing services utilizing their data center. CTC provides customers with optimum services in all phases of IT life cycle with their outstanding technical force by working with advanced IT vendors and with high reliability based on substantial operation/maintenance support structure.

About Alcatel-Lucent

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) provides solutions that enable service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. As a leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent offers the end-to-end solutions that enable compelling communications services for people at home, at work and on the move. With operations in more than 130 countries, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The company has the most experienced global services team in the industry, and one of the largest research, technology and innovation organizations in the telecommunications industry. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 17.8 billion in 2007 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

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