Belgacom selects Alcatel-Lucent to deploy end-to-end IMS solution

Alcatel-Lucent to serve as network integrator and supply key elements of its IMS portfolio to enable Belgacom to offer fixed and mobile multimedia services



Paris, April 2008 - Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced it has been selected by Belgacom (Euronext Brussels: BELG), the Belgian leading telecom operator, as its technology and network integration partner to design, integrate, and deploy an end-to-end multi-vendor IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution. The platform will enable Belgacom to effectively support and to further develop a wide variety of fixed and mobile services including voice over IP (VoIP) and multimedia communications for both residential and business customers.

Alcatel-Lucent will deliver a complete IMS applications and core network solution, based on a standard architecture, incorporating products from Alcatel-Lucent and partners, including application servers, session controllers, home subscriber servers, session border controllers and network/service management functionality. The solution, based on widely adopted standards facilitating convergence, will be a cornerstone of Belgacom’s future network.

As Belgacom’s primary network integrator, Alcatel-Lucent will use its global network of IP Transformation Centers - including one in Antwerp - to provide network design and integration, testing and validation between the IMS Core, third-party applications and communications devices.

“Belgacom is implementing its customer-focused business transformation program with convergence as a clear focal point in our ‘Move to all-IP’ strategy for fixed and mobile networks,” said Scott Alcott, executive vice president of Belgacom’s Service Delivery Engine. “Alcatel-Lucent has proven to be reliable supplier of next generation intelligent network and IMS solutions, as well as a strong IP transformation partner.”

”Belgacom’s choice of an IMS service delivery system is the logical next step in its all-IP network transformation,” said Michel Rahier, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s carrier business. “Our experience in IP network transformation projects with customers worldwide, and with Belgacom in particular, will help ensure that the IMS solution can be integrated with minimal effort in Belgacom’s network with a safe and predictable rollout plan.”
With this contract Alcatel-Lucent underlines its leading position in IMS solutions, and its capabilities in multi-vendor deployments and network integration.