Alcatel Gets EUR87 Million Mobile Contract From TA Orange

French telecommunications operator Alcatel SA said Wednesday that it has signed a EUR87 million contract with TA Orange, a leading mobile operator in Thailand, to expand and upgrade TA Orange's GSM/GPRS/EDGE mobile network.

The contract was won through Alcatel Shanghai Bell, Alcatel's Chinese flagship company.

TA Orange is one of Thailand's key mobile operators with 14% market share and more than 4 million mobile subscribers. With this project, TA Orange will be able to expand its customer base with prepaid mobile services.

Upon the completion of the project during the first half of 2006, TA Orange's GSM network will extend its coverage to over 90% of the population.

Under the terms of the contract, Alcatel will provide its industry-proven EvoliumTM GSM/GPRS/EDGE radio access solutions, including all elements of the Base Station Sub-system as well as Intelligent Network applications, microwave and optical Transmission equipment.

TA Orange's largest shareholder is True Corporation Plc.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires"

Posted to the site on 26th October 2005