3G Network For Reliance Infocom

Lucent Technologies announced that it has signed a five-year contract with Reliance Infocom, a leading service provider in India, to deploy a nationwide, third-generation (3G) CDMA2000(TM) wireless network designed for voice and high-speed data services.

In addition to high-quality voice services, this new CDMA2000 network will enable Reliance to offer its subscribers advanced wireless data services such as access to email, including emails with large attachments such as photographs, high-speed connections to corporate intranets and streaming video and next-generation data services.

As currently planned, the Reliance network will cover the entire Indian subcontinent. Lucent has already initiated work on the first phase of the project.

"We are honored that an industry leader like Reliance selected Lucent for this significant project," said Jim Brewington, president of Mobility Solutions, Lucent Technologies. "This agreement highlights Lucent's leadership in the development and deployment of 3G spread-spectrum networks and its commitment to supporting the introduction of the most advanced mobile services to the Indian market."

Under this agreement Lucent is supplying Reliance Infocom Lucent Flexent(R) base stations -- which support 3G CDMA2000.1X service -- as well as mobile switching centers and other network infrastructure. Lucent will also provide advanced design and consulting services as well as installation and maintenance support.

Lucent is the global leader in spread spectrum CDMA technology, having deployed more than 70,000 CDMA base stations in commercial networks worldwide.