Alcatel deploys the first WiMAX trial for Globalcom Data Services in Lebanon

Paris, October, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) and Globalcom Data Services announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a field-trial of WiMAX equipment. Globalcom Data Services, an innovative Lebanese service provider, will perform testing of a fixed WiMAX network starting in November 2006.

Under the terms of this MOU, Alcatel will provide GDS with its WiMAX end-to-end solution, including base station equipment and indoor CPEs (Customer Premises Equipment) that will allow quick and easy implementation in subscribers' premises. Alcatel's solution will provide broadband wireless Internet access at a burst rate of up to 12 Mbps.
WiMAX is a new set of standards aimed at providing broadband connectivity through wireless networks for fixed, nomadic or mobile use in both urban and rural areas. Thus, it can offer broadband access where DSL is unavailable for technical or economical reasons or a last-mile alternative to unbundling for operators who are offering a combination of voice and broadband access offers.
Habib Torbey, CEO of GlobalCom Data Services commented: "We see big potential for WiMAX technology in Lebanon in the near future. Based on the results of this trial, we are looking forward to extending our partnership with Alcatel, as a strong and committed player in the field of WiMAX technology with a complete broadband wireless access solution. We plan not only to be the first service provider to introduce WiMAX technology in the Lebanon, but also in the entire Middle East market (TBC).
"We have always been a committed partner to GDS and we are proud to partner with them again on this project, as we believe that WiMAX is bound to be a major broadband access technology within the next years. Alcatel is committed to providing GD S customers with a seamless broadband access experience based on fixed and ultimately mobile WiMAX technologies", said Olivier Picard, President of Alcatel for France, Africa, the Middle East, the South and Central Asia

About Alcatel:
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or to their employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.3 billion and 56,000 employees in 2004, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
For more information, visit Alcatel on the internet: http://www.alcatel.com



About Globalcom:
Operating since 1997, GlobalCom Data Services (GDS) is the national leader in wireless data communications offering a complete range of protocol-independent data telecommunication services.
GDS has deployed its own telecommunication infrastructure covering all of Lebanon and totally independent of the Public Operator’s network.
GDS serves about a thousand connections under Frame Relay, ATM, Clear Channel, IP + MPLS and X.25 protocols for banks, financial, educational and health institutions, service providers, commercial companies and public institutions…