Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today introduced the industry's first all-IP microwave transport platform, the 9500 Microwave Packet Radio (MPR), that is designed to provide high-capacity, cost-efficient backhaul capability for mobile operators, helping reduce operating expenses substantially. The 9500 MPR is part of Alcatel-Lucent's Mobile Evolution Transport Architecture (META), also announced today, the industry's most comprehensive vision for the evolution of mobile networks from TDM to all-IP.

With this new platform Alcatel-Lucent extends its leadership in the microwave transport arena by enabling operators to leverage the benefits of packet technology in their existing wireless transport networks.

With the 9500 MPR, Alcatel-Lucent addresses a key requirement for operators as they pursue the transformation of their networks to all-IP architectures. The 9500 MPR is both a revolutionary and evolutionary platform, transporting multimedia traffic using packet technology while efficiently transforming microwave TDM (time division multiplexing) traffic -- from existing, widely deployed TDM systems -- into packets. The system also introduces innovative features into the microwave transport arena, including the ability to transport packets in response to varying microwave link conditions (such as adverse weather) by recognizing the type of traffic -- video, voice or data -- and automatically adapting the transmission to meet the quality requirements of different service types.

The 9500 MPR offers a variety of features that are unavailable in traditional microwave TDM platforms, including: service-driven adaptive packet modulation, E1 in packet via pseudo-wire/CES (circuit emulation services), multi-service aggregation, service awareness and synchronization distribution. These features improve packet aggregation, increase bandwidth optimization and improve Ethernet connectivity.

"By introducing the 9500 MPR, the first packet-native platform for microwave transport, Alcatel-Lucent fortifies its leadership in IP mobile transformation," said Philippe Dumont, President of the Wireless Transmission activities of Alcatel-Lucent. "Our next-generation backhaul solution enables operators to address the increasing demand for advanced mobile broadband services at the cell site."

Alcatel-Lucent is a leader in the microwave transport market, serving a growing list of customers including China Mobile, Etisalat, Orascom, Iusacell and Telmex.

About Alcatel-Lucent's Mobile Evolution Transport Architecture (META)

Announced at the Broadband World Forum Europe 2007, Alcatel-Lucent's Mobile Evolution Transport Architecture (META) is the industry's most comprehensive vision for the evolution of mobile networks from TDM to all-IP. The META architecture allows CDMA and GSM/UMTS mobile operators to scale their networks profitably from cell site to core, delivering significant OPEX reductions. META supports diverse transport alternatives providing an evolution path to all-IP for any infrastructure (copper, fiber, wireless), with integrated end-to-end management across fixed and mobile technology domains.

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.