3G Network Upgrade for Vodafone

16th June , 2004

Europe : Alcatel has been selected by Vodafone Ireland, Ireland's leading mobile operator, to deploy a new optical transmission network, which will enable Vodafone to further support the increasing mobile communications requirements of its 1.8 million subscribers.

Vodafone will use Alcatel's metro dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) solution for streamlining its network operations and empowering the delivery of business and consumer services, such as data and third-generation (3G) services, to its end-users. The network upgrade will enhance Vodafone's transport capacity to support increased voice and data traffic over its existing network, which leverages Alcatel's SDH optical multi-service node (OMSNs) systems.

"Vodafone has been undertaking the most aggressive roll-out of any 3G network in Ireland. Alcatel's adaptable and scalable solution has the flexibility to expand in order to meet our existing and future needs," stated Liam Butler, Head of Network Development, Vodafone Ireland. " Alcatel's ability to provide a competitively-priced solution, within a short timeframe, enables us to maintain our competitive edge and ultimately provide a superior service for our customers."

Alcatel's solution will be based on its highly flexible and scalable metro DWDM platform, the Alcatel 1696 Metro Span, together with installation and commissioning services. Network efficiency is ensured by the Alcatel 1350 management suite, which simplifies operations tasks by providing support for configuring, supervision, monitoring and maintenance throughout the optical network.

"This contract to build Vodafone's new fiber network will strengthen the existing relationship between Alcatel and Vodafone Ireland," said Romano Valussi, President of Alcatel's optical networks activities. "This award builds on Alcatel's ability to offer solutions that increase the performance of customers' networks without sacrificing network operational economics."

This project consolidates Alcatel's leading position as Vodafone Ireland's supplier for transmission equipment and related services, including installation and maintenance.

About Vodafone Ireland
Vodafone is Ireland's leading mobile phone operator with a base of 1.86 million customers and a total of over 1,500 employees. Vodafone holds 54% of the market share in Ireland. On May 11, 2001 the Irish company officially became a subsidiary of the Vodafone Group plc, the largest mobile telecommunications company in the world. The Vodafone Group has equity interests in 26 countries and partner networks in a further 13 countries, and has 133 million customers worldwide.

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