Alcatel Introduces New Leasing Program and Product Features for PCS Carriers at PCS '97.

RICHARDSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 1997--Network operators in the burgeoning personal communications services (PCS) wireless telephone industry will see a plethora of advanced network technologies at Alcatel's booth (#17209) during the PCS `97 conference and exhibition, Sept. 10 - 12 at the Dallas Convention Center.

These technologies include new products and product features designed to create the ultimate in efficiency and reliability in PCS network operations. Alcatel's PCS network solutions address the needs of operators large and small.

Innovative Radio Leasing Program Clinches Advantage over Leased

Lines for Backhaul and Interconnect

PCS operators build "backhaul and interconnect" systems to link their PCS base stations to each other, to central switching facilities, and to long-distance "points of presence." They have two options to do this: leased lines (DS1 circuits) from a local telephone company -- a restrictive proposition that leaves control of this critical network link in the hands of another party -- or a proprietary microwave system, which provides superior control and service flexibility when an operator needs to expand or reconfigure the network. Microwave radio also offers the advantage of higher circuit reliability rates, historically speaking, than leased lines.

Alcatel can make it even easier (and wiser) to select Alcatel microwave for the backhaul and interconnect network by leasing its complete line of digital microwave radios -- in all capacity sizes and all frequencies from 2 to 38 GHz. By virtue of its leasing experience and financial industry sources, Alcatel has the ability to structure individual lease programs for each customer which, in many cases, will provide the most cost-effective means of acquiring equipment and meeting related service requirements. Further, as with a purchase, customers will enjoy complete product training, installation support and service.

"What we're saying is this: Alcatel offers the best microwave equipment in the business and if PCS carriers want to lease backhaul and interconnect facilities, then it would serve them better to lease equipment over which they would have total control," said Jim Terwilliger, National PCS Sales Director for Alcatel Network Systems, Inc.

This program applies to the Alcatel MDR-4000, MDR-5000, MDR-6000 and MDR-7000 product lines. Visit the Alcatel booth for more details.

Cross Connects Provide Enhanced Performance Monitoring

The Alcatel 1630 CSX compact digital cross connect features all of the industry's most advanced bandwidth management and performance monitoring functions with the industry's smallest footprint -- perfect for base station installation and operation. For PCS `97, Alcatel is introducing two new cards for enhanced "far-end" and "near-end" performance monitoring features on the 1630 CSX and its sister product, the 1630 SX.

Full-time performance monitoring simultaneously ensures the quality and continuous availability of circuits at both the switching center (near end) and remote call processing centers (far end) linked via an Alcatel 1630 CSX/SX. PCS operators have the ability to collect far-end performance data via both ANSI T1.4303 and AT&T 54016 standards, to set individualized threshold crossing alerts and to program a variety of data storage registers. PCS operators can do all of this with standard TL1 commands and modify the performance monitoring parameters with the cross connect in service.

Further, the Alcatel 1630 CSX/SX is the only narrowband digital cross connect in the industry designed with redundancy across the entire system.

SONET Multiplexers Meet Many Service Requirements in Larger PCS

Networks

PCS operators considering the benefits of SONET (synchronous optical network) protection for higher-capacity networks will find the Alcatel 1603 SE add/drop multiplexer an optimum choice. The 1603 SE makes full use of the SONET standards to provide highly-reliable and survivable services and will deliver managed SONET protection further out in the access portions of the network. The 1603 SE can work in conjunction with the MDR-4000 radio, which features an OC-3 rate (155 Mbit/s) SONET interface.

Alcatel has introduced its 1603 SE for "remote" deployment applications requiring a broad range of service terminations. The 1603 SE answers the desires of those in the PCS industry needing to provide economical SONET ring protection up to the OC-3 rate for backhaul and interconnect applications.

To assist its PCS customers, Alcatel makes the 1603 SE easy to install and has given it "extended temperature" capability (meaning it operates within a temperature range of -40 to +65C) as a standard feature. The standard 1603 SE's 25 x 27 cm (9.8" width x 10.5" height) size facilitates mounting in virtually any rack, CEV (controlled environmental vault), cabinet, or other customer premise facility. The optional wall mount version features a variety of powering options, thermostatically-controlled fans, and all connections necessary for quick and simple installation in equipment closets or virtually any other challenging customer premise location.

Alcatel has designed the 1603 SE to join the Alcatel 1603/12 SM in providing multi-service platforms that can address all service needs of customers -- from asynchronous interfaces ranging from DS0 to DS3, to SONET, ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), ADSL (asymmetrical digital subscriber line), LAN (local area network) interfaces and beyond.

Alcatel, part of the Alcatel Alsthom group, currently works with partners in over 125 countries on projects which span the full spectrum of communications systems. A leading systems integrator in the telecommunications field worldwide, Alcatel manufactures advanced digital switches, transmission systems, broadband products, access products, radio mobile communications systems, business systems, systems and products for space and defense, and components. In 1996, these activities registered total sales of FF 71 billion ($13.65 billion). Alcatel Alsthom trades on the Bourse de Paris and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ALA). Visit Alcatel via the web at: www.alcatel.com . -0-

Contacts for Alcatel Alsthom Investor Relations (Paris): Anne GUIMARD, tel. [phone] or email: [e-mail] or Charlotte LAURENT-OTTOMANE, (33.1) 40 76 13 30 or [e-mail] Fax (for both): (33.1) 40 76 14 05 -- U.K. media contact: Barrington Lloyd International, tel. [phone] or [e-mail]

CONTACT: Alcatel, Richardson

Michael Newsom, 972/996-7896

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