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Alcatel today announced a $AUD 7.5 million joint investment with the Australian Government in m.Net Corporation, a consortium of multinationals, Australian IT and telecommunications companies, government and research organisations. The investment will be used to upgrade m.Net's next-generation UMTS/WCDMA wireless network in the city of Adelaide and turn it into the most advanced 3G network in Australia.

Within the investment program m.Net will be able to take advantage of Alcatel's expertise in end-to-end UMTS/WCDMA technology and leading mobile expertise. The enhanced network that results will stimulate the development of new 3G applications by providing Australia's application developer community access to the latest 3G technology.

Alcatel is an existing member and key technology provider of the m.Net Consortium and this project is further evidence of the company's commitment to next-generation mobile technology and to the Australian Information, Communication, Entertainment and Technology (ICeT) economy.

"Collectively with Alcatel and other consortium members, we are making new and significant advancements in 3G and mobile broadband," said Horden Wiltshire, Chief Executive Officer, m.Net Corporation. "Support from private sector companies with global mobile communications expertise, such as Alcatel, and the backing of the Australian Government is vital if Australia is to become a global leader in 3G technology and mobile broadband internet," he concluded.

"By providing the opportunity to foster innovation locally, Alcatel is ensuring that market-ready 3G applications will be available in Australia," said Tony Cullen, Executive General Manager, Mobile, Alcatel Australasia. "Alcatel has market leading 3G experience worldwide and supplies systems for mobile communications networks globally. We are continually looking for ways to strengthen our presence in the global 3G market and we are glad to do so locally by further extending our participation in m.Net with this investment," he added.

The m.Net Australia project is supported by the Australian Government through the Advanced Networks Program of the Department of Communications, Information technology and the Arts.