French technology provider Alcatel announced today that it was tapped by China's Ministry of Public Security to deploy a next generation network (NGN). This is the second nationwide NGN network deployment by a government organization in that country, following the one deployed by the provider for the China State Council Information Office last year.

 

The new contract calls for Alcatel (News - Alert) to provide an integrated IP communication system offering access to 32 provinces and cities in the area. The system will provide rich telephony features; support a set of advanced IP-based multimedia services, such as presence-enhanced phone book, which enables users to see contacts' availability; push-to-show, which enables a user to see a contacts' agenda or video conference; push-to-talk and instant messaging (IM).

 

Specifically, the new network includes the IMS-compliant Alcatel 5020 Softswitch and the Alcatel OmniPCX Enterprise.

 

"We are partnering with Alcatel to help us define the optimal way forward for our traditional voice networks. Not only will the quality and efficiency of our work be enhanced with reliable and advanced communications, but Alcatel's industry leading solutions will also support the development of our networks now and in the future," said Ma Xiaodong, chief engineer, Information & Communication Department Ministry of Public Security of China in a statement.

 

Alcatel plans to complete the project by the end of next month. Once installed, the network will enable the Ministry's staff to access interactive and multimedia services including video telephony, video conferencing, Find-Me Follow-Me; which enables a user to receive calls anytime, anywhere through any device, voice virtual private network (VPN) and soft phone applications.

 

Today's news follows Alcatel's announcement earlier this month about being awarded a Euro 30 million contract from fixed operator Iraqi Telecommunications & Post Corporation (ITPC) for the company to deliver a higher capacity nation-wide microwave backbone.

 

With the backbone in place, ITPC will be able to provide fixed, mobile and data services quickly in Iraq. Alcatel will provide a backbone covering 62 sites along three important routes in that country.

 

Alcatel

 

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