Alcatel-Lucent and Algerian Ministry of Post, Information Technology and Communications to build Orval undersea cable system

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) and the Algerian Ministry of Post, Information Technology and Communications, have signed a turnkey agreement for the deployment of the Orval system, an over 560 km fiber-optic undersea cable that will link Oran in Algeria to Valencia, Spain. 

With completion expected in 2016, the 100 gigabit-per-second system will deliver an ultimate design capacity of 20 terabit-per-seconds. This speed and capacity will facilitate the delivery of broadband services to an estimated 42 million Internet users in Algeria and Spain. 

Additionally, the Orval submarine cable system is part of the orsec plan which has been put in place by the Algerian Ministry in order to reinforce the ability to face natural disasters such as in the case of the earthquake in 2003 and of which strengthening international communications is a key element.

Alcatel-Lucent will be lead contractor in charge of designing and manufacturing the system in consortium with IT Marine who will be responsible for marine operations.

Commenting on the agreement, Abdelhak Benkrid, General Secretary of the MPITC,

said: "Broadband access is a fundamental contributor to both businesses and consumers. The Orval network represents a strategic technology investment that will strengthen access to high-quality network services. Based on Alcatel-Lucent's technology and expertise, Orval will give us an edge to continue developing our service offer to and to an increasing number of broadband users."

Philippe Dumont, President of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks, said: "The Orval undersea cable system will help meet the broadband demand and strengthen overall connectivity in the Mediterranean. As we enter in an upward cycle of submarine cables constructions, this new project highlights the continued need for higher capacity and connectivity that is critical for broadband expansion."

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