Alcatel has been selected by Wind Telecommunications, to deploy a turnkey, end-to-end triple play solution, enabling voice, data and video services on one platform. The project, valued at approximately 80 million euros, will enable Wind to deliver advanced, interactive services and perform an IP-based transformation of its network throughout Italy.

With the support of Alcatel's flagship triple play service delivery architecture, Wind will be able to deliver a compelling mix of new services such as video on demand, personal TV, online gaming and sharing of photos and home videos – all with the highest levels of quality, efficiency and reliability based on an optimized service foundation.

Alcatel will upgrade Wind's existing central offices to meet the substantial bandwidth increase needed to cost-effectively support new service delivery and will provide equipment and services for additional sites to guarantee an appropriate level of coverage in main provinces and cities, by the end of 2006.

Wind will deliver IPTV services using the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform, which includes user-friendly features like instant channel change, multiple picture in picture, personal video recorder (PVR) functionality (such as one-touch recording and pausing live TV) and video on demand (VoD).

Alcatel is also helping Wind undertake an IP transformation of its network by providing Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, including a unique-to-Italy, user-friendly POTS offering.

Alcatel will provide the complete services integration that brings together the network infrastructure, software platforms and integration skill sets required to deliver a superior user experience. Alcatel is the industry leader in providing purpose-built technology solutions and services integration that allow carriers to reduce the cost and complexity associated with large scale deployments.

"By offering innovative triple play and IPTV services to our customers while driving down the operational costs of the company, Wind is strengthening its competitive position in the Italian marketplace," said Jere Calmes Chief Operating Officer of Wind. "Our partnership with Alcatel is a significant element of our ongoing network transformation strategy to IP-based technologies."

"Alcatel is strategically involved with operators worldwide as they embark on IP network transformation that satisfies customer demand for personalized and interactive communications services," said Michel Rahier, President of Alcatel's fixed communications activities. "Wind will leverage Alcatel's leadership in broadband access, IP and optical networking, IMS/NGN solutions, as well as in new multimedia and video applications. Our end-to-end integration expertise will also help them respect their timeframes, control the migration paths and manage the associated risks."