Kashagan communications

today announced that it has been awarded an €11.2 million contract by

to provide an integrated telecommunications solution for the offshore and onshore plants of the Kashagan oil field in the

sector of

. The contract is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2006.

Alcatel said in a statement that the project will provide enhanced, real-time communications - voice, data and video - between all operational facilities and personnel, helping Agip to better monitor its communications network and optimise the security of its personnel and facilities.

Alcatel will be responsible for systems design, integration and engineering, material and equipment procurement, plant integration tests in Florence, Italy, installation and commissioning supervision.

Alcatel will also rollout a transport network using data-aware Optical Multi-Service Node (OMSN) systems equipped with Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet functionality.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alcatel will also supply closed circuit television (CCTV) systems for video surveillance, public address and general alarm (PAGA) as well as radio systems.