Alcatel to build new DWDM transatlantic network for Cable & Wireless

Jan. 15, 2001
Alcatel, a provider of intelligent optical networking, has been awarded by Cable & Wireless a turnkey contract worth several hundreds million US dollars, for a transatlantic network named Apollo.

Alcatel, a provider of intelligent optical networking, has been awarded by Cable & Wireless a turnkey contract worth several hundreds million US dollars, for a transatlantic network named Apollo. With a total capacity of 3.2Tbit/s on each transatlantic leg, this network will ensure the transportation of soaring data between the most demanding areas in the world, North America and Europe. In addition, a four-year contract has been signed to ensure a fully customized marine maintenance of the system by Alcatel.

Based on DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) technology, the network will benefit from optimum capacity of 3.2Tbit/s. The network will consist of four fiber pairs equipped with 80 wavelengths at 10Gbit/s. It will be the first time that so many channels will cross the Atlantic on a single fiber pair�thus, the system has the highest capacity and a lower unit cost of any transatlantic system�and features a robust and flexible design which is adaptive to future traffic patterns.

The marine maintenance contract for Apollo includes a fully comprehensive after-sales service from Alcatel, including cable fault and marine repair services to be provided by two cable-vessels from Alcatel's top-level fleet. They will deliver a rapid, high-quality repair service, thanks to a specialized crew. All services will be managed from a single point of contact, a service launched last year.

Alcatel will completely manage this turnkey project, from the initial surveys to installation, design and manufacturing. Apollo presents a dual-cable configuration, relying on two links from the United States to United Kingdom and France respectively. The system will span around 13,000km.

The network will be completed by summer 2002.

About Cable & Wireless:

Cable & Wireless is a global telecommunications business offering a full range of telecommunications services with a focus for future growth on IP (internet protocol) and data services and solutions for business customers. It is developing advanced IP networks and services in the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region in support of this strategy.

About Alcatel:

Alcatel's optics business comprises terrestrial and submarine transmission systems, fiber optics and optical components, from optical components, optical fibers and DWDM systems to core routers and network intelligence.

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