Alcatel and Corning agree to share technologies for photonic components and specialty fibers

Alcatel (CGEP.PA and NYSE:ALA), a provider of intelligent optical networking , and Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), a supplier of photonic components and optical fiber, announced the signing of a cross-licensing agreement for photonic components and specialty photonic fibers, in conjunction with a three year supply agreement for dispersion compensation modules (DCM). Both Corning and Alcatel will permit access to each other's patented photonic component technologies. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Dispersion compensation becomes a critical necessity as operators increase their network reach and capacity, upgrading their systems from today's 2.5Gbit/s to 10Gbit/s, and beyond. DCMs are vital to achieving longer distances at higher bit rates over a broader wavelength window. DCMs represent a new area of growth for Alcatel, and as Alcatel ramps up its DCM capabilities, Corning, as agreed, will supply a portion of Alcatel's requirements over the next three years.

About Corning:

Established in 1851, Corning Incorporated manufactures optical fiber, cable and photonic products for the telecommunications industry; and high-performance displays and components for television and other communications-related industries. For more information, visit www.corning.com/photonictechnologies.

About Alcatel:

Alcatel produces optical network elements, from optical components, optical fibers, DWDM systems and microwave radio links to core routers and network intelligence, and from terrestrial to submarine solutions. Alcatel Optronics designs, manufactures and sells high performance optical components, modules and integrated sub-systems for use in terrestrial and submarine optical telecommunications networks. For more information, visit www.alcatel.com.