Paris and Tokyo – September 29, 2011 – As smartphone and tablet ownership in Japan continues to fuel demand for video services and social networking, Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is to provide the backbone of one of the world’s first superfast next-generation mobile broadband networks.

Wireless City Planning, inc. (WCP) led by SOFTBANK is preparing the launch of its AXGP* Mobile Broadband network, which is based on technology developed in Japan that is highly compatible with TD-LTE, an increasingly popular global standard for mobile broadband services. Once completed, the network will offer dramatically increased data speeds and performance, and will be able to support a wide array of mobile applications and content.

The network will also support more mobile broadband subscribers by complementing SOFTBANK’s existing 3G mobile network, enabling subscribers to move seamlessly between the two networks. This will help address the exponential growth in data traffic in the market due to widespread use of smartphones and tablets.

Alcatel-Lucent’s is providing Internet Protocol (IP) networking technology to create high-capacity links between base stations throughout the operator’s new network.

Martin Jordy, President and Managing Director of Alcatel-Lucent Japan, said: “Smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are generating enormous increases in mobile data traffic throughout Japan, and that growth is expected to accelerate dramatically with the introduction of LTE. We already have substantial experience supporting the earliest large-scale launches of next-generation services, and are applying that expertise for WCP to make sure that as subscribers move onto the network and traffic increases, they are able to maintain an exceptional quality mobile broadband experience.”

Mr. Junichi Miyakawa, Director and COO of WCP, said: “Japan has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to introducing the latest in mobile services, so the expectations of subscribers in the country are very high. Alcatel-Lucent’s service aware IP routers and switches have already been successfully supporting SOFTBANK’s various mobile and fixed networks. We chose to work with Alcatel-Lucent on this project because they have unmatched experience with mobile backhaul, and have proven that they can meet the needs of the most demanding, and sophisticated consumers and businesses.”

Alcatel-Lucent will provide its industry leading mobile backhaul solution, which includes the Alcatel-Lucent 7750 Service Router and 7210 Service Access Switch.

The Alcatel-Lucent IP/MPLS portfolio has now been deployed in more than 400 service provider networks in more than 110 countries. According to Infonetics, Alcatel-Lucent holds the #2 position in the IP/MPLS Edge.

*AXGP (Advanced XGP) is an mobile broadband standard used in Japan which is based on OFDMA technology (the foundation for all next-generation standards).  AXGP is highly compatible with TD-LTE technology, a popular next-generation standard being launched in many markets around the world.

About SOFTBANK CORP. and Wireless City Planning Inc.

SOFTBANK is a leading Internet company that aims to provide a range of services including mobile communications, broadband infrastructure, fixed-line telecommunications, internet culture, and others.  SOFTBANK continuously strives to create synergies among various content and services within the Group.  Wireless City Planning Inc. is a SOFTBANK’s group company and a provider of XGP service.  For more information, please refer to  http://www.softbank.co.jp/en/.