Verizon spends $5bn with Lucent

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