PARIS, Nov. 12 -- Alcatel has won a contract to supply a new switching backbone network for China Netcom, one of China's two major fixed line operators. The $36 million contract was won through Alcatel Shanghai Bell, Alcatel's flagship Chinese company. China Netcom will extend its coverage in China nationwide for the first time since the restructuring of the country's telecom sector earlier this year and the first significant contract awarded by China Netcom since the restructuring, Alcatel said. Alcatel will provide its 1000 Signaling Transfer Point and 1000 Multimedia switching system. China Netcom's new network, covering 21 provinces in southern China, will be operational by January 2003. For more information, visit: www.alcatel.com</a