BellSouth Selects Lucent Technologies’ Next-Generation Solution to Enable a Range of Advanced Consumer IP Services

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 08, 2005, Lucent provides IMS-based technology and end-to-end multivendor network integration services for BellSouth’s new consumer Voice Over IP offering

Atlanta and Murray Hill, N.J. – Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) today announced that BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) has selected elements from Lucent’s IMS-based (IP Multimedia Subsystem) solution, including network integration and technical support, to be the platform for BellSouth’s Voice Over IP service for residential customers in its nine-state territory.

Under the multiyear agreement, Lucent will initially help build out the system that will enable VoIP services to consumers over BellSouth® FastAccess® DSL Internet service.

Lucent’s solution lays a foundation for BellSouth’s IMS architecture, paving the way for BellSouth to develop, integrate and roll out new, powerful and personalized services, delivering anytime, anywhere access to a “grand slam” of next-generation Internet protocol (IP)-based services.

“BellSouth’s new consumer VoIP capability is a critical component leading to a comprehensive experience that integrates voice, data and video in a way that best meets the needs of the individual customer, helping open the door to a whole new level of personalized services,” said Bill Smith, chief technology officer for BellSouth. “We selected Lucent as our IMS supplier because of the depth and breadth of what the company brings to the table -- IMS leadership, significant expertise as a multivendor network integrator, and an IMS-based solution that can enable scalable services that can be deployed fast and efficiently with the quality and reliability that customers expect from BellSouth.”

As the network integrator, Lucent Worldwide Services is providing end-to-end multivendor network integration services, including network and security design, installation and engineering, and program management. Lucent also will provide multivendor maintenance services, including multivendor technical support.

“Today’s announcement underscores the momentum Lucent is gaining in providing an end-to-end portfolio of next-generation solutions and services that complement the end user’s lifestyle. BellSouth can now evolve to an IMS architecture by simply adding session management and unified subscriber database functions to help enable personalized services that customers can access anytime, anywhere, with any device,” said Mike Baumgartner, vice president of sales for Lucent Technologies. “We’re dedicated to helping customers such as BellSouth roll out applications faster to a more targeted audience with increased efficiency.”

BellSouth will deploy components of the Lucent IMS portfolio, including the Lucent Network Controller, a softswitch technology-based product that provides the media gateway control functions traditionally found in a softswitch, to enable consumer VoIP services.

In addition, BellSouth will deploy the Lucent Network Gateway, which provides the media gateway function and permits seamless interaction between IP networks and both traditional wireline and wireless networks.

The Lucent Network Controller and the Lucent Network Gateway are elements of Lucent’s IMS-based solution that integrate into an IMS architecture.

About BellSouth Corporation
BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth has joint control and 40 percent ownership of Cingular Wireless, the nation’s largest wireless voice and data provider with 52.3 million customers.

Backed by award-winning customer service, BellSouth offers the most comprehensive and innovative package of voice and data services available in the market. Through BellSouth Answers®, residential and small business customers can bundle their local and long distance service with dial-up and high-speed DSL Internet access, satellite television and Cingular® Wireless service. For businesses, BellSouth provides secure, reliable local and long distance voice and data networking solutions. BellSouth also offers online and directory advertising through BellSouth® RealPages.com® and The Real Yellow Pages®.

BellSouth believes that diversity and fostering an inclusive environment are critical in maintaining a competitive advantage in today’s global marketplace. More information about BellSouth can be found at http://www.bellsouth.com.

About Lucent Technologies
Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, services and software that drive next-generation communications networks. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent uses its strengths in mobility, optical, software, data and voice networking technologies, as well as services, to create new revenue-generating opportunities for its customers, while enabling them to quickly deploy and better manage their networks. Lucent’s customer base includes communications service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide. For more information on Lucent Technologies, which has headquarters in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, visit http://www.lucent.com.

Contact Information

Denise Panyik-Dale

Lucent Technologies

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