First live 3G call on an operational network in the Southern Hemisphere made today using Alcatel UMTS technology Adelaide.

Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) has today signed an agreement to join the m.net Consortium, which is focused on supporting the development of applications for third generation (3G) networks, as the provider of UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System or 3G) network technology. To mark the signing a live 3G call was made today at the World Congress on Information Technology in Adelaide using the Alcatel UMTS network purchased by the m.Net Corporation in November 2001. "The call was made demonstrating the capabilities of 3G technology as we will enjoy it commercially in the near future," said Ross Fowler, CEO, Alcatel Australia. "Alcatel was invited to participate in the Consortium because of its leadership in building 3G networks," said Andrew Ekiert, CEO, m.Net Corporation. "This is the world's first independent, third-generation wireless telecommunications network so it's vital we have local and international experts to make this project a success." Based on its live UMTS network Alcatel previewed an array of mobile data applications that demonstrated the power of 3G. The first live call showed 3G's ability to video conference, perform high-speed downloads, access on-line information, act as a high speed web browser, transfer high-quality images and deliver streaming video. All this can be done using 3G-compatible devices such as a PDA, laptop or handheld device.

UMTS is the preferred choice because it builds on the capability of today's mobile technologies but with increased capacity and data capability. It also offers a far greater range of services using an innovative radio access scheme and a packet core network. "In order for 3G to be successful in Australia market-ready applications will be crucial," said Ross Fowler. "We are part of the m.net consortium to ensure applications are ready in three key areas: business, messaging and entertainment. "This is why m.Net is vital for Australia – because it is important to have local applications ready. If Australia is to become one of the leaders in 3G technology and mobile broadband internet take-up it is essential that we support the local industry to develop 3G and wireless LAN applications. "Alcatel is playing a key role in the Consortium because we can't afford to leave this development to chance and want to ensure we take a leading role in nurturing applications for 3G. "It also demonstrates Alcatel's lead in providing a fully functioning network today. This project – especially given its emphasis on applications development –gives us great experience in developing 3G networks which satisfy real market needs," said Ross Fowler.

Six industry sectors have been identified by m.Net as having strong potential for the development of applications. They are:

• Tourism
• Health
• New media and entertainment
• Transport
• City business & mobile commerce
• Education.

As the key technology provider for the m.Net consortium, Alcatel has delivered and installed its EvoliumTM 3G solution including the UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) radio systems and Core network. The radio systems, which include the UMTS base stations supplied by Alcatel, were developed and produced by EvoliumTM SAS, the joint venture between Alcatel and Fujitsu. The network infrastructure not only carries voice communications in circuit mode but also allows the transfer of data and high-speed video images in packet mode. The network achieves high levels of quality and speed (360kbps available to the end user) in full compliance to UMTS standards.

About Alcatel

Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) designs, develops and builds innovative and competitive communications networks, enabling carriers, service providers and enterprises to deliver any type of content, such as voice, data and multimedia, to any type of consumer, anywhere in the world. Relying on its leading and comprehensive products and solutions portfolio, stretching from end-to-end optical infrastructures, fixed and mobile networks to broadband access, Alcatel's customers can focus on optimizing their service offerings and revenue streams. With sales of EURO 25 billion in 2001 and 99,000 employees, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com.

About Alcatel's Evolium solutions

Alcatel is now the world's fastest growing GSM/GPRS supplier. Currently, over 110 mobile operators worldwide rely on Alcatel's Evolium GSM/GPRS core and radio solutions. By creating Evolium SAS, an Alcatel-Fujitsu company, Alcatel clearly reinforces its position in both mobile infrastructure and mobile Internet. Evolium SAS combines Alcatel's expertise in GSM, GPRS, and EDGE as well as in ATM and IP technologies, with the advanced experience of Fujitsu as supplier of NTT DoCoMo. By the end of 2001, NTT DoCoMo had over twenty eight million i-Mode subscribers in Japan and has started the commercial operation of its 3G mobile communication services on October 1st 2001. Alcatel's UMTS solutions are a reality today, with 15 pre-commercial UMTS networks already installed worldwide, and another 10 to be delivered by mid-2002. Alcatel's strategy covers all aspects of UMTS deployment, from radio access and core network to terminals. Alcatel's Evolium SAS delivers a radio infrastructure that is 3GPP-compliant, field-proven and capitalizes on Japanese 3G technical and field experience. Alcatel, which played a vital part in developing the mobile Internet market, in particular through the successful roll out of GPRS commercial networks world-wide, has today a timely UMTS offering.

About m.Net Corporation

m.Net is a consortium of 19 members including multinationals, Australian IT and telecommunications companies, government and research organisations. It aims to establish the world's first independent, third-generation wireless telecommunications network in Adelaide's central business district. It will facilitate a new age of converged Internet and wireless technologies – which will revolutionise the way we live. The project has been awarded a $9.23 million grant from the Commonwealth Government under its Advanced Network Program and will put Australia on the map of the global 3G industry. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it