Saudi Telecom has selected Alcatel to supply equipment for a DSL network that delivers high-speed services to 38 locations across the country. In a deal worth approximately $6 million, Alcatel will supply the Alcatel 7300 Advanced Services Access Manager (ASAM) and the Alcatel 5620 Network Manager (NM) to enable ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) services.
“Customers want fast access to information through high-speed Internet connectivity and Saudi Telecom is working to deliver it, and DSL has been identified as the most efficient means to provide it,” said Dr. Abdullah Ali Al-Mousa, VP and chief of Saudi Net & Saudi Data Units. “We are investing in DSL technology in order to deliver to customers the features and facilities they want, as identified through our extensive process of market research, and we are confident that the Alcatel-solution is the most cost effective means of meeting their needs.”
“Broadband is a very powerful tool that helps competitive businesses better serve their customers in the Information Age,” said Michel Rahier, president of Alcatel’s fixed networking activities. “Using the Alcatel ASAM family, Saudi Telecom can deliver high-speed Internet services across Saudi Arabia, delivering the flexible infrastructure necessary to expand their service offering when they choose.”
This contract further reinforces Alcatel’s leadership in the global DSL market, of which Alcatel holds 37.6 percent share based on August 2003 data from industry analyst Dell’Oro Group. To date, Alcatel has shipped more than 29.4 million lines and its broadband access solutions are prominent in the networks of over 70 of the world’s largest carriers.