Verizon Wireless, Lucent strike deal

Verizon Wireless will spend $5 billion on a variety of network equipment, software and services from Lucent in an agreement announced last week.

Verizon Wireless agreed to buy $5 billion worth of network equipment within six years, although past deals between the two companies have been completed in three to four years, says Debra Lewis, a spokeswoman for Lucent. The companies signed a similar $5 billion agreement in March 2001.The two Verizon Wireless agreements are “among our largest contracts awarded,” Lewis says.

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 increase the coverage and capacity of its existing next-generation voice network and high-speed, wide-area BroadbandAccess data network, according to the companies. Under the agreement, Lucent will provide software and equipment from its entire product line, including Bell Labs-developed wireless, optical and data network equipment. Lucent Worldwide Services will perform network optimization, integration and deployment services.

The agreement includes a $525 million contract announced in March, naming Lucent as a key supplier for Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess high-speed data network, and it replaces the 2001 agreement.

Gross is a correspondent with the IDG News Service.