MRCIY Marconi (MM)

Orascom Telecom to Use Marconi's Wireless Network Planning Tool to Support Network Expansion Middle East's largest mobile operator uses Marconi's Planet EV software and consultancy to improve service quality by extending and enhancing network coverage DALLAS, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Marconi Corporation plc (NASDAQ:MRCIY) (LONDON: MONI) is to supply a complete radio network planning solution to the GSM subsidiaries of Orascom Telecom to support the mobile operator's plans to further enhance and extend its networks globally. Under a multiple year frame contract announced today, Marconi will provide the GSM subsidiaries of Orascom Telecom Holding, the largest regional Telecommunications operator in the Middle East and North Africa, with a full end-to-end solution, including Planet(R) EV software, wireless consultancy services, training and maintenance support. The Marconi solution will support the GSM subsidiaries of Orascom Telecom to deploy multi-technology networks such as GSM, CDMA2000, and UMTS in a cost- effective and reliable way, providing consistent coverage and high-quality networks for its customers. Using Planet EV, Marconi's next-generation wireless network design and optimization platform, along with advanced microwave planning and propagation modeling modules, Orascom can accurately determine and deploy the required radio coverage and capacity, reduce equipment investment and operational expenses, and introduce new services. Marconi's expert wireless consultancy services will support Orascom to rapidly deploy and optimize the network as well as realize the full potential of the Planet EV solution. Together, Marconi will assist Orascom in reaching their network and business objectives more quickly and efficiently. "Marconi met all of our needs and hence became our preferred choice for the supply of design tools and consultancy services needed for our roll-out of Mobile & Fixed Wireless networks into new territories," said Tamer El Mahdi Orascom Telecom Holding Chief Technology Officer. "We have already worked with them in Algeria, which demonstrated that Marconi's complete and complementary portfolio matches our needs directly. Marconi can provide radio planning tools, consultancy services and ongoing support, all of which are necessary for rapid time-to-market that ensures a fast and maximum return on investment." "We are delighted to work again with the GSM subsidiaries of Orascom Telecom to quickly and cost effectively roll out high-quality networks in new and challenging markets," said Kevin Hankins, head of Marconi's Wireless Business Unit. "Our Planet EV platform is unmatched in integrated design and optimization capabilities, and provides a foundation for long-term growth and efficiency. By combining our solutions and consultancy services, we will help Orascom continue its tradition of delivering excellent network quality and coverage, and superior service to its customers." About Planet(R) EV Planet EV 4.0 represents significant value, providing functionality and performance enhancements in the following areas: -- Robust W-CDMA module and Monte Carlo engine -- Scrambling Code planning -- Interactive Frequency Planning Tool -- Reporting and layer statistics -- Performance Simulator for GSM/GPRS/EGPRS -- MAIO and HSN planning -- Color Code planning -- Single project multi-technology support -- Multiple enterprise deployment options Revenues from Marconi Wireless are reported as part of the Group's Value- Added Services business. About Orascom Telecom Holding Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E. ("Orascom Telecom") is a leading mobile telecommunications company with GSM operations in seven emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, having a total population under license of approximately 460 million with an average mobile telephony penetration of approximately 8%. Orascom Telecom operates GSM networks in Algeria ("Djezzy"), Pakistan ("Mobilink"), Egypt ("MobiNil"), Tunisia ("Tunisiana"), Iraq ("IraQna"), Bangladesh ("Banglalink"), and Zimbabwe ("Telecel Zimbabwe"). Orascom Telecom had 17.5 million subscribers as of March 31, 2005. Orascom Telecom is traded on the Cairo & Alexandria Stock Exchange under the symbol (ORTE.CA, ORAT EY), and on the London Stock Exchange its GDR is traded under the symbol (ORTEq.L, OTLD LI). About Marconi Corporation plc Marconi Corporation plc is a global telecommunications equipment, services and solutions company. The company's core business is the provision of innovative and reliable optical networks, broadband routing and switching, broadband access technologies and services. The company's customer base includes many of the world's largest telecommunications operators. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol MONI and on NASDAQ under the ticker MRCIY. Additional information about Marconi Corporation can be found at http://www.marconi.com/. All brands or product names are trademarks of their respective holders. This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to products, partners, customers, future growth and other matters. Please refer to the Form 10-K report filed by Marconi Corporation plc with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Investor enquiries: Karen Keyes tel: + 44 207 306 1345; email: Press and Industry analyst enquiries: Kevin Hankins tel: +1 678 297 9796; email: DATASOURCE: Marconi Corporation plc CONTACT: Investors, Karen Keyes, +44-207-306-1345 or , or Press, Kevin Hankins, +1-678-297-9796, or , both of Marconi Corporation plc Web site: http://www.marconi.com/

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