UnisonFibre selects Alcatel-Lucent for UFB

UnisonFibre selects Alcatel-Lucent for ultra-fast fibre roll-out in Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua and Taupo

New Zealand, October 12, 2010 — UnisonFibre and Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced that UnisonFibre has selected Alcatel-Lucent’s IP/MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) solution to deliver ultra-fast fibre-optic broadband services to Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua and Taupo.

The Alcatel-Lucent solution is enabling UnisonFibre to offer a broad suite of high-bandwidth services on its fibre network, opening up new possibilities for local schools, hospitals, businesses and the wider community. UnisonFibre offers a range of connection speeds, including 100 Megabits per second and 1 Gigabit per second options.

UnisonFibre’s general manager, Nigel Purdy says: “We are connecting customers like they’ve never been connected before, enabling them to send and receive large data files at lightning speed, participate in high-definition video conferencing, and access the benefits of cloud computing and voice over IP. In its first year, UnisonFibre will have rolled out 130km of fibre cable across its three network regions in Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and Rotorua and is now connecting businesses, schools and local authorities.

“With the Alcatel-Lucent solution, we can cost-effectively deliver ultra-fast data services and voice connections utilising carrier-grade networking equipment that is reliable, scalable and proven, both in New Zealand and around the world.

“A key reason for UnisonFibre’s selection of Alcatel-Lucent for this important infrastructure was Alcatel-Lucent’s strong local support and on-the-ground resources, including the largest team of in-country engineers and broadband experts in the industry,” says Mr Purdy.

Alcatel-Lucent New Zealand CEO, Jyoti Mahurkar-Thombre says: “We are delighted to be able to support UnisonFibre as it moves into a new era with technology that will provide huge capacity for broadband data services in key regions. Such regional development is essential to New Zealand’s digital and economic future and we are committed to helping build this future.

“UnisonFibre is taking an exciting step with the development of its ultra-fast fibre network that will provide significant benefits in terms of technology, communications, innovation and economic growth,” added Ms Mahurkar-Thombre.

UnisonFibre has deployed Alcatel-Lucent’s industry-leading IP/MPLS portfolio, including its 7450 Ethernet Service Switch and 7210 Service Access Switch. The technology solution is backed up by a multi-year support agreement.

Alcatel-Lucent is involved in more than 100 fibre-to-the-premise projects worldwide, including NBN Co in Australia, Verizon in the United States, France Telecom and Hong Kong Broadband. The company has a proud history in New Zealand and has more than 800 New Zealand-based staff across Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

UnisonFibre is a member of the New Zealand Regional Fibre Group, a group of regional operators including lines companies and local fibre companies that have come together to support the Government’s efforts to introduce ultra-fast broadband to New Zealand. UnisonFibre, as a part of the Central Fibre consortium, has been shortlisted as a partner in the Government’s ultra-fast broadband initiative.

ENDS

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