Alcatel provides telecommunications equipment and services to fixed line and wireless telecommunications operators, carriers, Internet service providers, governments, and businesses worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Fixed Communications, Mobile Communications, and Private Communications. The Fixed Communications segment offers broadband access infrastructure products, including digital subscriber lines; fixed solutions that enable carriers to create and deliver entertainment services, such as broadcast TV, video on demand, personal video recorder, and other services; Internet protocol products, which include multiprotocol switch platform, a service router, and Ethernet service switch; and equipment to transport information for long distances over land and undersea, as well as for short distances in metropolitan and regional areas. The Mobile Communications segment provides a range of mobile communications products and services, including radio access and core network hardware and software, applications hardware and software, as well as a range of services, including installation, maintenance, and operation systems for wireless carriers worldwide. The Private Communications segment offers various enterprise product, such as hybrid Internet protocol, telephone systems, call center software and applications, and IP networking products; satellite telecommunication products for broadband access, wireless local loop backhaul, and global system for global communications/general packet radio service backhaul; transport systems, including train routing systems and train control systems. This segment also plans, designs, installs, and operates communication networks for its carrier and noncarrier customers. The company sells its products directly and through distributors and joint ventures. Alcatel was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Paris, France.