Under the agreement, Sprint will deploy Lucent’s base stations, mobile switching centers, and wireless intelligent network software that enables the development and deployment of new value-added services. The agreement also includes professional services such as equipment engineering, installation, cell site optimization and project management for the network deployment. This agreement is congruent with Sprint’s planned enhancements to its wireless network infrastructure and a key part of its migration to third-generation (3G) services.
The deployment of Lucent’s 3G wireless system is intended to help Sprint provide its customers with faster data speeds and enhancements for existing applications and services. These higher speeds are expected to enable consumers to download music and data to portable wireless devices such as phones, laptops and personal digital assistants (PDAs) directly from the Internet. Business customers are expected to be able to open e-mail attachments using wireless modems in their laptops without seeking a payphone or using expensive hotel connections.
With Lucent’s help we are upgrading our network to deliver high-speed wireless data services, said Dennis Huber, senior vice president, network/IT, Sprint PCS. We expect to have the best and most cost-effective network evolution in the industry.
We are excited to continue to support Sprint PCS. This upgrade will enable numerous new applications and features to be added to an already rich portfolio provided by Sprint, said Vince Molinaro, Lucent Technologies senior vice president for North America. We helped build Sprint’s PCS network from its very beginning, and Lucent looks forward to our continued collaboration on the next phase, including the introduction of high-speed 3G mobile Internet applications.
