UK - Alcatel-Lucent has signed a turnkey equipment and services contract with 3 Italia, a leading 3G mobile operator in Italy and the first DVB-H Mobile TV operator in the world, to expand and optimize its broadcast Mobile TV network throughout Italy. Alcatel-Lucent's solution for 3 Italia, based on its DVB-H terrestrial transmitters, its remote monitoring system and including network integration services, will enable 3 Italia to increase the indoor and outdoor coverage of its broadcast Mobile TV network, while optimizing network efficiency for enhanced Mobile TV service delivery. As a result, 3 Italia's subscribers will enjoy attractive television programs - such as football matches, movies, music and reality shows - with an improved mobility and service continuity.

Alcatel-Lucent will extend and increase the density of 3 Italia's DVB-H terrestrial transmitters network across Italy, enabling 3 Italia to offer broadcast Mobile TV services to its 8.45 million UMTS customers. Furthermore, the seamless integration of Alcatel-Lucent's Mobile TV terrestrial transmitters into 3 Italia's existing mobile sites, as well as new sites, and a new powerful remote monitoring system, enables 3 Italia to protect its previous investments, while achieving significant savings in capital and operational expenditures.

"As end-users increasingly demand enhanced entertainment services that are on the move, operators need to transform their network while protecting their investment. By enabling 3 Italia, which is the first DVB-H Mobile TV operator in the world, to expand and optimize its existing DVB-H network in Italy, Alcatel-Lucent is delivering upon its commitment to accelerate the advent of Mobile TV for the mass market, whichever the mobile broadcast technology," said Pierre Barnabe, President of Alcatel-Lucent's activities in France, Iberia & Italy. "This new contract confirms Alcatel-Lucent's ability to offer and integrate innovative and future-poof wireless network solutions that can support a broad range of blended service applications including Mobile TV services."

The Alcatel-Lucent solution for 3 Italia is based on its 9600 DTH, future-proof multi-standard digital terrestrial transmitter that can deliver DVB-T and DVB-H broadcast solutions, as well as a smooth evolution to DVB-SH. These transmitters have been designed and optimized according to the specific requirements of mobile operators and can easily be integrated into their mobile sites. Alcatel-Lucent's solution also includes its remote monitoring system, as well as professional services such as network integration, project management, installation and commissioning, and repair and maintenance.