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AltaLink Enhances Reliability with Draka Comteq OPGW Link
Calgary, Alberta and Claremont, North Carolina USA - May 18, 2006...

AltaLink Management Ltd., Alberta's largest transmission provider, has successfully deployed an optical communications link using Draka Comteq's OPGW (Optical Ground Wire). 

By leveraging an OPGW cable that functions as both a ground wire and a communications cable, AltaLink gained the benefit of reliable and scalable bandwidth provided by optical fiber while incurring minimal additional costs over the installation of a conventional shield or ground wire.

Draka Comteq worked with AltaLink to customize the OPGW design as a drop-in replacement to the ground wire - meeting the stringent electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements that might be encountered in western Canada.  "Through aggressive project management and Draka Comteq's solutions expertise and responsiveness, we completed this link from design to delivery to deployment within eight weeks - meeting an accelerated in-service date required by our customer," said Clint Struth, P. Eng., Senior Telecom / SCADA Engineer for AltaLink. 

The Draka Comteq OPGW solution uses advanced technology such as laser-welded stainless steel tubes, ESMF Enhanced Singlemode fiber, certified aerial hardware, and guaranteed zero fiber strain to provide superior field-proven long-term reliability.  "We are pleased to work together with AltaLink to identify high-value broadband solutions that leverage existing right-of-way and infrastructure," states Allen Griser, Director of Marketing at Draka Comteq.  OPGW and ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Support) cabling solutions are ideal means of quickly and reliably deploying optical fiber in aerial transmission and distribution environments.

Draka Comteq will be highlighting its aerial cable solutions at the UTC Expo 2005, May 22 - 25, 2005 in Long Beach, California (Booth #137).  For more information visit http://www.utcctelecom2005.utc.org

About Draka Comteq

Draka Comteq provides optical fiber and cabling solutions for telecommunications carriers, utilities, installers and enterprises to deliver broadband services. A jointly owned company of Draka and Alcatel, Draka Comteq leverages its leadership in optical fiber technology, cabling solutions and applications expertise to bring value to its customers' broadband infrastructure.

Draka is a 96-year old wire and cable company engaged worldwide in providing innovative cabling solutions for a wide range of applications. A top five cabler worldwide, Draka focuses its solutions through:
•  Draka Comteq, providing communications cabling solutions.
•  Draka Cableteq, providing low-voltage and specialty cabling solutions.

For more information, visit Draka Comteq on the Internet: http://www.drakacomteq.us

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Draka Comteq Media Contact:
Tina Bryant
Phone  828.459.8772
Fax      828.459.8444
Tina.Bryant@draka.com