Alcatel ADSL Technology Plays Key Role in DSL Forum High-Speed Internet Showcase Exhibit At CES 2000.

Business/Technology Editors

CES 2000

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2000

2000 INTERNATIONAL CES

Alcatel's Focus: End-to-End Solutions, Interoperability

Alcatel's stature as the world's leading provider of ADSL technology for high-speed Internet access over conventional telephone lines is on display throughout the DSL Forum's "DSL High-Speed Internet Showcase" exhibit (booth 4419) here at CES. Spotlighting ADSL solutions from many vendors, the DSL Forum showcase demonstrates, in an inviting home setting, how this high-speed data access technology is entering the mainstream with fully interoperable, high-performance products that deliver high-speed data access and more.

The breadth of Alcatel technologies on display in the DSL Forum's Showcase home highlight Alcatel's unique ability to deliver end-to-end solutions from Speed Touch(TM) ADSL modems to digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMS) and other critical networking equipment at the central office. Alcatel's long-standing commitment to open standards and interoperability between the many suppliers of ADSL systems can also be seen in the exhibit, which showcases how various vendors and ADSL standards work together seamlessly and transparently to the user.

"High-speed ADSL access is poised to explode in 2000 as the largest service providers continue to roll out the service nationally," said Jay Fausch, Senior Director for Marketing and Business Development at Alcatel USA's DSL business unit. "Alcatel - recently named the #1 vendor of integrated DSL infrastructure by Ryan Hankin Kent -- is proud to be an integral part of the DSL Forum's Internet Showcase at CES, which will give added visibility to this exciting technology at the world's leading consumer electronics expo."

Within the Showcase home, several stylish Alcatel Speed Touch ADSL modems, including its new plug-and-play USB model, are used to provide Web access enabling high-speed Web surfing for education, recreation or commerce. All Speed Touch modems incorporate multi-standard compliant ADSL chipsets available from several vendors, including Alcatel's DynaMiTe chipset. Last year, Alcatel shipped more than 2 million DynaMiTe chipsets for use in central office, digital loop carrier, and ADSL modem equipment.

The exhibit showcases interoperability and demonstrates how different brands of ADSL modems can work seamlessly with telephone company central office ADSL equipment from Alcatel and other vendors. Alcatel's multi-standard compliant DSLAM supports both G.Lite and Full-rate ADSL, offering the broadest compatibility with ADSL CPE. Alcatel's support of ADSL testing facilities worldwide, including the University of New Hampshire's ADSL Interoperability Lab (a prime location for testing ADSL systems to ensure standards compliance in the United States), is another mark of the company's focus on interoperability.

Additionally, a number of service providers and DSLAM vendors have chosen to use an Alcatel backbone to gain Internet access from the CES show floor. Consisting of Alcatel's OmniSwitch ATM switch and broadband remote access concentrator, this backbone provides reliable service for high-bandwidth applications including high-speed Internet access and video streaming used throughout the DSL Forum Showcase exhibit.

Alcatel's ADSL Expertise

Alcatel's DSL solutions are fully scaleable and are available on a variety of service platforms, including line cards for the Alcatel Litespan New World Digital Loop Carrier; the Alcatel 1000 ASAM, a high-density central office Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM); and compact, environmentally hardened mini-DSLAM packages used for field deployment of ADSL service (non-Litespan DLC situations). Alcatel's ADSL technology is also offered in an advanced range of Alcatel Speed Touch ADSL modems. All Alcatel DSL service platforms are fully NEBS (Level 3) compliant and integrate seamlessly into service provider networks. Alcatel recently introduced multi-mode ADSL support in it's DSLAM, which protects the service provider's investment by supporting both G.lite and Full-rate splitterless ADSL on the same line card.

Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 21.3 billion ($25.0 billion), Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel at http://www.alcatel.com or the US Web site at www.usa.alcatel.com.