WASHINGTON, DC, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ - Nortel Networks (NYSE: NT/TSE: NTL)
and Matra Marconi Space have joined forces to offer advanced satellite network
solutions for the developing global information infrastructure. Under a
non-exclusive arrangement announced today at Satellite `99, the companies
intend to work together to address specific market opportunities, and to
jointly market turnkey solutions worldwide. Together, they intend to offer
specific, highly advanced satellite-based interactive broadband networks and
solutions to support various multimedia applications.
Matra Marconi Space, one of the most prominent names in the industry,
will contribute its considerable experience and expertise in
telecommunications, broadcast and military satellite programs. Nortel Networks
will bring its global leadership in broadband, wireless and IP-centric data
networking, and its knowledge and capability in satellite network
architectures and access.
With recent extraordinary expansion and rapid digitalization in satellite
television broadcasting, the multimedia boom offers significant business
opportunities for wideband satellite systems and services. Nortel Networks and
Matra Marconi Space will work together on joint satellite communications
projects to complement terrestrial systems, and to help meet the capacity
required for continued exponential growth in multimedia services.
``Sharing development of satellite communications systems will allow
Matra Marconi Space and Nortel Networks to deliver reliable broadband
satellite solutions rapidly, and to meet the expectations of a steadily
growing number of diverse and demanding users -- anywhere and at any time,''
said Armand Carlier, chairman and CEO, Matra Marconi Space.
Nortel Networks and Matra Marconi Space have several joint development
projects already underway, including the network architecture for a broadband
satellite Network Control Center for the European Space Agency (ESA). Nortel
Networks is the lead contractor on this 18-month, US$2.4 million project. ESA
will match funding from the industrial partners within the FRAMEWORK of the
ARTES 3 program to support the rapid development of new satellite systems.
Other joint projects include WISDOM from the EU FRAMEWORK 4 program and
two more from ESA - Hicap and the WEST wideband initiative.
Matra Marconi Space, the joint venture company formed by LAGARDERE
(France) and GEC (UK), is Europe's leading satellite manufacturer. It employs
4,500 people, in France and in the UK. With a turnover in 1998 of 1,262
million euros (US$1.5 billion), its activities cover science and Earth
observation, telecommunications and ground infrastructure, military programs,
launchers and orbital infrastructure.
SOURCE Northern Telecom Limited
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CONTACT:
Ross Heupel, Nortel Networks, (972) 685-1205,
ross.heupel(at)nortelnetworks.com; Frank McNally, Nortel
Networks, (703) 712-8374, fmcnally(at)nortelnetworks.com; Remi
Roland, Matra Marconi Space, +33 (0) 1 34 88 35 78; Or visit
Nortel Networks' website at http://www.nortelnetworks.com; Nortel's
press releases are also available through CNO-Call by fax at
800-758-5804, ext. 122158 or at http://www.prnewswire.com
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