Telecom New Zealand selects Alcatel-Lucent as its technology partner for W-CDMA network upgrade

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced that it has been selected by Telecom New Zealand as its technology partner for the deployment of a new third-generation (3G) Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA)/High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network deployment.

Subject to a suitable commercial arrangement being reached, Alcatel-Lucent will work with Telecom New Zealand as part of a 168 million Euro (NZ 300 million) mobile network investment plan that will position Telecom to meet New Zealand’s future mobile needs.

Telecom’s plans include the development of a new W-CDMA/HSPA network that will complement existing CDMA network capabilities and allow Telecom to provide unparalleled mobile services.

Frederic Rose, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s Asia Pacific activities welcomed the announcement as a testament to the strength of Alcatel-Lucent’s ongoing relationship with Telecom.

“Today’s announcement is a further example of Telecom’s commitment to ensuring that its customers have access to the strongest, most flexible set of communications capabilities" Rose said. “With the most comprehensive wireless technology portfolio in the industry, encompassing CDMA/EV-DO, W-CDMA/HSPA, GSM/EDGE and WiMAX, Alcatel-Lucent is the only player positioned to take the best from all technologies, to shape the future and deliver mobile broadband for all.”

Its selection as technology partner further highlights the strength of Alcatel-Lucent’s wireless communication strategy and portfolio. As a global leader in the development and deployment of third-generation (3G) networks, Alcatel-Lucent has deployed commercial 3G (UMTS/HSPA and CDMA2000) systems for more than 70 operators worldwide.