mm02 and Lucent Technologies To Deploy Super-Fast, Converged Fixed-Mobile Network

mmO2 and Lucent Technologies today announced plans to deploy one of the world's first super-fast, converged fixed-mobile networks for mmO2's subsidiary, Manx Telecom, on the Isle of Man. The commercial third-generation (3G) UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network - which will incorporate super-fast HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) technology as well as Lucent's IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) solution -- will enable Manx Telecom to provide both wireless and wireline customers with "blended" mobile high-speed data, multimedia, and VoIP services.

"This will be the first deployment in Europe of a super-fast 3G network, and it will provide invaluable insights into how to develop and extend our multimedia services to additional markets," said Dave Williams, group CTO for mmO2. "This project highlights mmO2's leadership in the introduction of enhanced next-generation solutions."

This HSDPA-enabled network will initially offer data speeds of 3.6 Megabits per second (Mbps) - a limitation of initial mobile device implementations - and ultimately will support data speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps. Lucent's IMS, a converged Internet Protocol-based core network solution that is part of Lucent's Accelerate™ Next-Generation Communications Solutions portfolio, will enable Manx Telecom to provide its customers with a wide array of compelling, multimedia services that can be delivered over both mobile and fixed networks.

Beginning in the summer of 2005, Manx Telecom will be able to support a wide range of next-generation services, including the ability to quickly and easily download DVD-quality film and video, and to access email (including large attachments) using their mobile device or fixed broadband connections. Additionally, Manx Telecom's business customers will be able to provide their employees with high-speed mobile access to the same business applications they typically use while in the office.

"Manx Telecom's vision is to provide services that enrich people's lives whatever they're doing and wherever they are, and this project will play a strategic role as we continually assess how to enhance our mobile offerings for our customers," said Chris Hall, managing director of Manx Telecom. "This network will serve as a showcase of the tremendous benefits fixed-mobile multimedia networks have to offer."

"Lucent is very excited to partner with mmO2 and Manx Telecom on this unique, ground-breaking project that will help eliminate the barriers between voice and data services, and between fixed and wireless environments," said David Poticny, president, Lucent Technologies Europe. "Lucent's next-generation networking solutions are designed to support the seamless delivery of blended services that enhance, and complement people's lifestyles, providing them with the convenience of anywhere, anytime access to all of their communications services."

Under the agreement, Lucent will provide mmO2 with Bell Labs-developed wireless and data networking equipment, as well as network management and applications software. Among the products to be supplied are Lucent's Flexent® OneBTS® base stations (Node Bs) -- which support HSDPA -- Flexent Radio Network Controller (RNC), as well as UMTS packet core solutions including Lucent's Flexent Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), and Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN). Lucent also will ensure the supply of HSDPA-capable devices to Manx Telecom, through collaborations with a variety of mobile device manufacturers.

Lucent also will supply key elements of its IMS solution, including a 3G Mobile Switching Center based on the Lucent Network Controller (softswitch technology) and Lucent Network Gateways, as well as Lucent's Super-Distributed Home Location Register, a subscriber database server that manages customer information for voice and data services across wireline and wireless networks.

Lucent Worldwide Services will provide engineering, installation, integration, optimization and program management services for the project.

Last week, Lucent announced a four-year agreement to supply 3G UMTS network equipment, software and services to support Cingular Wireless' nationwide 3G service rollout. This deployment also includes HSDPA.