Verizon gives $5B contract to Lucent
Verizon Wireless has awarded a $5 billion contract to networking giant Lucent. The money will be spent on, "Next-generation network expansion." The company also noted that the upgrades from Lucent will allow its 1xEV-DO high-speed data network to expand.
Lucent stock (
LU) is up nearly 3% on the news.
The full press release is available below
Verizon Wireless Awards $5 Billion Contract to Lucent Technologies for Next-Generation Network Expansion
Agreement to Support Network Spans Lucent‚s Entire Solutions Portfolio; Lucent Remains Verizon Wireless‚ Largest Infrastructure Supplier
Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless service provider, and Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) today announced an agreement worth at least $5 billion for Lucent to supply a wide variety of network equipment, software and services for Verizon Wireless' national next-generation voice and data network. With this agreement Lucent will continue as Verizon Wireless' primary next-generation network infrastructure supplier.
The equipment, software and services from Lucent will make it possible for Verizon Wireless to increase the coverage and capacity of its existing next-generation voice network and high-speed, wide-area BroadbandAccess data network based on CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology. This agreement also will enable Verizon Wireless to cost-effectively evolve its network to provide next-generation voice, data and video services in the future while preserving its investments in its existing network.
"At Verizon Wireless, we're focused on our growing customer base and ensuring that they have the highest quality products and services," said Dick Lynch, executive vice president and chief technical officer for Verizon Wireless. "Lucent has long been a key supplier and has helped us provide our customers the most satisfying wireless experience possible. Going forward, we're going to count on Lucent as we roll out high-speed mobile data services nationwide and continuously improve the quality and reliability of our network."
Under the agreement, Lucent will provide infrastructure and technology spanning its entire portfolio, including Bell Labs-developed wireless, optical and data networking equipment along with network management and applications software. Among the products to be supplied are Lucent's Flexent(R) Modular Cell 4.0 base stations. Lucent Worldwide Services will perform network optimization, integration, planning and design and deployment services.
Verizon Wireless will also participate in the Lucent Market Advantage Program as the company continues to expand its network and offer mobile high-speed data services, such as corporate Internet and Intranet access, downloading of video and PowerPoint files and others, to its enterprise and residential customers.
"Verizon Wireless has always been a leader in delivering the most advanced, reliable and innovative services to its customers," said Cindy Christy, president, Mobility Solutions for Lucent Technologies. "Over the next few years we look forward to supporting their efforts to introduce new services such as blended voice and data services, enhancing their position as one of the world's leading wireless service providers."
This agreement includes the $525 million contract announced in March, naming Lucent as a key supplier for Verizon Wireless's BroadbandAccess high-speed data network, and it replaces the previous agreement the two companies announced in March 2001.
