Lucent Awarded $5 Billion Verizon Contract

BEDMINSTER, N.J. & MURRAY HILL, N.J., July 13 -- Lucent Technologies announced today it has been awarded a contract worth at least $5 billion to supply a wide variety of network equipment, software and services for Verizon Wireless's national next-generation voice and data network. With this agreement, Lucent will continue as Verizon Wireless's primary next-generation network infrastructure supplier.

The equipment, software and services from Lucent will make it possible for Verizon Wireless to increase the coverage and capacity of its existing next-generation voice network and high-speed, wide-area BroadbandAccess data network based on CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology. Verizon Wireless said the agreement will also enable it to cost-effectively develop its network to provide next-generation voice, data and video services in the future while preserving its investments in its existing network.

Under the agreement, Lucent will provide infrastructure and technology spanning its entire portfolio, including Bell Labs-developed wireless, optical and data networking equipment along with network management and applications software. Among the products to be supplied are Lucent's Flexent Modular Cell 4.0 base stations. Lucent Worldwide Services will perform network optimization, integration, planning and design and deployment services.

Verizon Wireless will also participate in the Lucent Market Advantage Program as the company continues to expand its network and offer mobile high-speed data services, such as corporate Internet and Intranet access, downloading of video and PowerPoint files and others, to its enterprise and residential customers.

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

For more information, visit: www.verizonwireless.com