Verizon Wireless is to spend $5bn (£2.7m) on networking
equipment, software and services from Lucent
Technologies.
In the deal, Verizon Wireless agreed to buy $5bn worth of
networking equipment within six years, although past deals between
the companies have been completed in three to four years.
The companies signed a similar $5bn agreement in March 2001.
With the latest agreement, Lucent will continue to be Verizon
Wireless' primary next-generation network infrastructure
supplier.
The equipment, software and services from Lucent will help
Verizon Wireless to increase the coverage and capacity of its
existing next-generation voice network and high-speed, wide-area
Broadband Access data network.
Lucent will provide software and equipment from its entire
product line, including Bell Labs-developed wireless, optical and
data networking equipment.
Lucent Worldwide Services will perform network optimisation,
integration and deployment services.
The agreement includes a $525m contract announced in March,
naming Lucent as a key supplier for Verizon Wireless' Broadband
Access high-speed data network, and it replaces 2001 agreement.
Grant Gross writes for IDG News Service