Marconi 'biggest gainer' in European optical networks market in 2002

April 17, 2003

17 April 2003 London, Lightwave Europe -- Marconi grew its market share in Europe's optical networks market by 4% in 2002 - the largest market share rise of any vendor, says a new report by research company RHK.

- Marconi and Alcatel head optical networks leader board for Europe in 2002

17 April 2003 London -- Marconi grew its market share in Europe's optical networks market by 4% in 2002 - the largest market share rise of any vendor, says a new report by research company RHK.

Marconi held a market leading position, alongside Alcatel, as a result. The recently restructured, London-based company was also identified as the leader in aggregation (SDH multiplexing) and number two in next-generation optical edge devices.

In its market report entitled Alcatel and Marconi Top of Optical Class in Europe, RHK found that both Marconi and Alcatel were top of the optical networks leader board for Europe in 2002 with 21% market share each.

Marconi posted a four per cent market share gain within the European optical networks market during 2002. RHK put Marconi's success down, in part, to the company capitalising on the infrastructure investment plans of its key customers in Europe, notably BT and Telecom Italia.

The report also indicates that Marconi gained eight per cent of the European market in aggregation - both traditional add-drop multiplexers and next generation, where it now ranks first with 28% of the market.

RHK defines European optical networking as the market for optical transport equipment sold to network operators for their public or private (managed) networks. Europe represented 26% of the global market in 2002, compared with 28% in 2001. North America accounted for 30% and Asia-Pacific also represented 30%, an increase of 12% on 2001.

"Marconi was able to strengthen its position, even during difficult business conditions in the European optical networks industry," said Mark Lum, programme director for RHK's Optical Networks Europe practice.

"We are pleased with RHK's findings, which gives us confidence in our optical networks strategy, products and service. Particularly gratifying for Marconi is the number two position gained in next-generation optical edge devices, following the roll-out of Marconi's next-generation SDH portfolio, launched in September 2002," said Martin Harriman, Marconi's CMO.