Tatung selects Alcatel-Lucent to deploy commercial WiMAX Rev-e network in Taiwan

June 2, 2008

Alcatel-Lucent announced that Tatung InfoComm, a wholly owned subsidiary of a Taiwanese conglomerate, Tatung Co., has selected Alcatel-Lucent to deploy a commercial WiMAX 802.16e-2005 (Rev-e) network in Penghu County, Taiwan. This advanced, flexible new WiMAX network will serve Penghu County, enabling its people and businesses to access a range of high-speed, high-quality wireless mobile broadband services, as part of the commercial launch for its WiMAX services.

For Tatung, which holds one of the commercial WiMAX licenses for Taiwan’s southern regions, the initial deployment focuses on reducing the digital divide, with WiMAX providing most of the wireless broadband data and voice services across 70% of the county’s territory. The availability of broadband services is also expected to help boost the local tourist trade in the county, known for its natural scenery and rich cultural background.

“Penghu County is one of the initial locations to benefit from our massive WiMAX deployment plan for Taiwan as we move to offer this advanced mobile service to people and businesses throughout the country,” said Peter Yen, President of Tatung InfoComm, a subsidiary of Tatung Co. for WiMAX business. “Alcatel-Lucent has extensive, field-proven experience in WiMAX network deployment globally, and its high-performance and flexible WiMAX solution will equip us with a reliable network to provide a wide range of innovative services to our customers.”

Under the terms of the contract, Alcatel-Lucent will supply Tatung InfoComm with a comprehensive WiMAX infrastructure solution, encompassing a full range of WiMAX 802.16e-2005 radio access network equipment and core network elements such as connectivity service network solutions as well as an operation administration management system. It also will provide deployment and project management expertise.

“This contract win, which follows the recent opening of Alcatel-Lucent’s government-endorsed WiMAX Application and IOT Centre for local CPE manufacturers, is yet another confirmation of Alcatel-Lucent’s leading position, both globally and in the Taiwanese WiMAX market, and underscores our key role in the mass market deployments of WiMAX,” says Frederic Rose, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s activities for Europe, Asia and Africa. “Tatung is rolling out deployment and services programs in line with its launch timeline to coincide with the company’s anniversary celebration later this year. We are committed to partner with this team to build a best-in-class WiMAX network catering to the growing broadband needs of the people of Taiwan.”