Verizon Wireless awarded a contract valued at least $5 billion to Lucent Technologies for supplying a wide variety of network equipment, software and services for Verizon Wireless’ national next-generation voice and data network based on CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology. With this agreement Lucent will continue as Verizon Wireless’ primary next-generation network infrastructure supplier.
Under the agreement, Lucent will provide infrastructure and technology spanning its entire portfolio, including its Flexent Modular Cell 4.0 base stations. Lucent Worldwide Services will perform network optimization, integration, planning and design and deployment services. The deal includes the $525 million contract announced in March, naming Lucent as a key supplier for Verizon Wireless’s BroadbandAccess high-speed data network. http://www.lucent.comhttp://news.vzw.com
- Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess, which will be launched in many major U.S. cities later this year, is powered by a CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) 3G technology. The network offers average user speeds of 300-500 kbps.
- In March 2004, Verizon Wireless announced equipment contracts with Nortel Networks and Lucent Technologies for the expansion of its BroadbandAccess 3G service across the U.S. The company also announced agreements with SK Telecom, Citrix and Zumasys. Specifically, Verizon Wireless signed a two-year agreement with Nortel Networks under which it was expected to spend US$167 million on Nortel’s wireless infrastructure technology. Nortel Networks was a primary supplier in San Diego for Verizon Wireless’ initial commercial deployment of BroadbandAccess in October 2003. At the same time, Verizon Wireless announced a two year agreement with Lucent Technologies under which it expects to invest more than $525 million in Lucent’s wireless infrastructure.