O2 Place 3G Contract

Europe :Lucent Technologies announced that it has been selected by O2 to provide packet infrastructure, software and services, to enable the operator to deploy and manage a voice and data transport network to support its 3G UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system) network roll out. The three-year framework agreement has a potential value in excess of $45 million.

Inset is the Packetstar® 4500 MultiService Media Gateway.

As part of the agreement, Lucent will supply its Packetstar® (PSAX) 1000, 2300 and 4500 MultiService Media Gateways to allow the development and consolidation of O2's ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) networks in Germany, Ireland and the UK. The PSAX gateway will enable O2 to enhance its existing infrastructure and network to support the increases in voice, video and data traffic as O2 rolls out its 3G UMTS offerings while simultaneously reducing deployment and operating costs.

"We selected Lucent because they offered a high level of technological capability and experience, cost effective solutions and the ability to offer us ongoing support and expertise as we carry out this project," said Dave Williams, group chief technology officer mmO2. "Given the pan-European nature of this project, we also required a partner with extensive cross border experience. We look forward to working with Lucent on this deployment."

Lucent Worldwide Services will deploy and integrate the ATM infrastructure and software into O2's multi-vendor network and provide ongoing maintenance support. Outsourcing these activities to Lucent, which is focused on meeting the network requirements of service providers, helps O2 to focus on addressing the needs of its subscribers and delivering superior service.

Lucent will also supply network management software, Navis(tm) AQueView(tm), to provision and manage Lucent PSAX networking equipment and the advanced services supported by the gateways.

"Lucent has the industry-leading technology and knowledge to support operators' requirements as their networks evolve. Similar PSAX solutions have already been proven throughout Western and Eastern Europe," said David Poticny, president mobility Europe. "Lucent Technologies is a natural partner as operators look to introduce 3G UMTS offerings to customers, integrate their multi-vendor solutions, and manage their networks."

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