Alcatel will provide and support one hundred thousand DSL lines over the next 3 years, that will provide large numbers of users in Teheran and across the country with a high speed internet connection, and in time get access to a breadth of broadband services. The first phase of the agreement covers 23,000 lines and its deployment should be completed in May 2004.

Under the terms of the contract, ADA will deploy the Alcatel 7300 Advanced Services Access Manager, the industry's leading broadband access platform with the highest density and lowest power consumption, throughout Iran. Alcatel's broadband access leadership allows it to offer an unequaled service level and an integrated product portfolio that helps operators face their key challenges: increasing coverage, tackling scaling problems, offering more services on their broadband infrastructure and converging voice and data platforms.

"Alcatel's comprehensive broadband portfolio and global leadership in delivering high quality and cost effective DSL solutions made it an ideal business partner to support us in delivering enhanced broadband solutions to our subscribers," said Ardeshir Montaseri, Chairman of ADA. "We are also confident that the Alcatel-solution is the most cost effective means of meeting our needs."

According to Michel Rahier, Chief Operating Officer of Alcatel's fixed communications activities, "This contract further confirms our commitment to helping to accelerate broadband deployments in emerging markets of the world. Moreover, as Alcatel would be one of the first companies entering the Iranian private operator's market, it will improve our position in this country."

This contract reinforces Alcatel's leadership in the global DSL market, of which Alcatel holds has a 37% cumulative market share based on Q4 2003 results from industry analyst Dell'Oro Group. To date, Alcatel has shipped more than 39.2 million lines and its broadband access solutions are prominent in the networks of over 70 of the world's largest carriers.

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