e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

[gernb1]

Alcatel, Compaq, Packet Video Team to Deliver Music Videos on Mobile Devices

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2002--Alcatel (NYSE:ALA), Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) and Packet Video, leaders in the delivery of mobile multimedia services, are demonstrating at the 3GSM World Congress the instant delivery of music video charts and clips over GPRS (General Packet Radio Services)-enabled pocket PCs.
This paves the way to an end-to-end mobile streaming solution delivered over UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System)-enabled devices, with data transmission rates up to two megabits per second. This is a massive growth market, as music downloads are considered one of the fastest-growing, highest-demand services for personal devices.
In the demo, the user browses a GPRS-enabled Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC, a tiny handheld computer, to view a list of the current music charts. Once users select a music video, they can choose the most appropriate means of payment and stream the video clip. A 25-second clip is free, or the full-length video is available for a small fee. For service providers, on the other hand, real-time billing of streaming allows them to adapt their billing to the ratio of the service provided. Visitors can take a first glance at this joint demonstration at the 3GSM World Congress, held at Cannes from February 19 through 22.
"By combining our IT and telecom strengths, Compaq and Alcatel are able to provide profitable audio/video streaming solutions for the high potential 2.5/3G market," said Jenny Newton, EMEA vice president of Compaq's Telecom Division. "Compaq is already a leader with its rich product and services portfolio for the IT infrastructure industry, management of audio and video content, and personal access devices such as the iPAQ. This represents the next step in meeting the needs of this dynamic and rapidly growing market."
"This demonstration is further proof of Alcatel's extensive knowledge of telecom networks and telecom software integration," said Jean-Philippe Haag, vice president of Alcatel's Network Applications Division. "We have the skills to provide end-to-end mobile solutions. Through this alliance Alcatel and Compaq lead the industry in delivering viable, secure and desirable state-of-the-art streaming solutions."

About Alcatel

Alcatel designs, develops and builds innovative and competitive communications networks, enabling carriers, service providers and enterprises to deliver any type of content, such as voice, data and multimedia, to any type of consumer, anywhere in the world. Relying on its leading and comprehensive products and solutions portfolio, stretching from end-to-end optical infrastructures, fixed and mobile networks to broadband access, Alcatel's customers can focus on optimizing their service offerings and revenue streams. With sales of Euro 25 billion in 2001 and 99,000 employees, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, http://www.alcatel.com.


--30--bp/ny*

CONTACT: Alcatel
Press
Laurent de Segonzac, 33 (0)1 40 76 15 04
Laurent [e-mail]
Brian Murphy, 972/519-6677
[e-mail]
or
Investors Relations
Claire Pedini, 33 (0)1 40 76 13 93
[e-mail]
Peter Campbell, 972/519-4347
[e-mail]
or
Industry Analyst Relations
Julie Buckley, 707/792-7820
[e-mail]

KEYWORD: TEXAS
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: E-COMMERCE HARDWARE NETWORKING SOFTWARE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKETING AGREEMENTS TRADESHOW
SOURCE: Alcatel