The Cable Directory

Alcatel-Lucent today announced it has signed a USD100 million contract with Hits Telecom Uganda, a new regional operator, to deploy a new mobile network based on GSM technology. The contract also calls for Alcatel-Lucent to provide a full suite of managed services.

The turnkey network Alcatel-Lucent is deploying will enable Hits Telecom Uganda to introduce its services in Uganda in time for the Summit of the 53 Heads of States of the Commonwealth Countries, which will take place in November. Hits Telecom Uganda will be able to quickly expand its GSM offer throughout Africa and position itself as a best-in-class telecom service provider, focusing on excellent quality of services.

“Hits Telecom Uganda and Alcatel-Lucent share a common view regarding the role they can play in enhancing the communications services available to the people of Africa. We selected Alcatel-Lucent as our sole supplier because it is a worldwide leader in telecommunications solutions with the broadest wireless portfolio on the market and has great experience in this part of the world,” said Ahmed Darweesh Bin Dagher Al Marar, Chairman of the Board of Hits Telecom Uganda. “This project is also supported by IIH (International Investment House), a leading investment company in emerging countries and has mandated 1COM to manage the operations of Hits Telecom Uganda. 1COM is a European based company specialized in telecom management, consultancy and all related services,” he added.

“Customers of Hits Telecom Uganda will be assured of having access to the best network, best value for the money, innovative services, and widespread retail distribution channels, all backed by world-class customer service. Hits Telecom Uganda, which benefits from access to a broad radio spectrum, will be extending its coverage to new markets, including semi-urban and rural areas of Uganda, while focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR). This is the cornerstone of the Hits philosophy; the firm belief that everyone in Uganda should have access to high-quality wireless network services at an affordable price, providing optimum value.”

He further noted that this new GSM network will contribute to Uganda’s overall telecommunications infrastructure, making it one of the many countries in Africa investing in new solutions to enhance its communications infrastructure to better serve people in these countries, particularly in the rural areas, where there is a critical need for wireless connectivity.

“Alcatel-Lucent is proud to have been selected by Hits Telecom Uganda to provide a full turnkey solution that will enable this new service provider to provide top-quality mobile communications services to people throughout Uganda and eventually the entire continent. Hits’ decision to rely on Alcatel-Lucent for this critical network underscores our leadership, not only in the industry but in the continent of Africa,” said Olivier Picard, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s activities for Europe and South. “We know how to deliver innovative solutions in a very competitive environment, and in a very short timeframe. We are committed to completing the first phase of this network in time to serve the participants of the Commonwealth Summit in November. This contract confirms the strength of Alcatel-Lucent in providing complex turnkey solutions anywhere in the world as well market leadership experience in Managed Services, network integration and OSS/BSS integration.”

Under the agreement Alcatel-Lucent will supply a full end-to-end GSM network as well astransmission solutions with microwave systems to dynamically optimize the transmission of voice and data traffic from the base stations to the core network.Alcatel-Lucent will be responsible not only for complete network design and deployment, including OSS/BSS integration, but also will help Hits Telecom Uganda manage and maintain the network by providing a suite of managed services. Alcatel-Lucent will also supply its IP routing solution to provide massive scalability and critical Quality of Service features while simultaneously reducing operational complexity.

About Hits Telecom Uganda

Hits Telecom Uganda is a new Uganda Telecom Operator, whose majority shareholder is International Investment House (IIH, an international Investment firm with its head quarters based in an Abu Dhabi). HITS Telecom Uganda has been awarded a full telecommunications license, which includes the GSM 900/1800 spectrum, WIMAX broadband, international gateway, mobile virtual network operation and data transmission services.

About IIH (International Investment House)

International Investments House (IIH) is an Abu Dhabi based Investment Firm and one of the Middle East’s leaders in investing in emerging markets. IIH is a Private Equity Investor with a proven track record of working closely with various governments in emerging countries to develop infrastructure projects in the energy, telecommunication, transport, oil industry and real estate sectors. IIH is chaired by Mr. Ahmed Al Marar.

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 adjusted proforma revenues of Euro 18.3 billion in 2006 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. [All figures exclude impact of activities transferred to Thales]. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

Contact the Alcatel-Lucent Press Office: press@alcatel-lucent.com