Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) and ITI, India's largest telecom equipment manufacturing company, today announced a contract to supply and install 2 million lines for MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) based on advanced wireless communications technology.

This multi-million euro contract covers the expansion of MTNL's radio access and next-generation core network in Mumbai, India, and is based on Alcatel-Lucent's GSM/EDGE and W-CDMA/HSPA technologies. It further demonstrates Alcatel-Lucent's leadership in high-growth economies such as India.

Alcatel-Lucent and ITI have a long-term collaboration agreement for the production and deployment of Alcatel-Lucent's latest generation GSM/EDGE and W-CDMA/HSPA solutions in India.  The technology provided through this new contract will make it possible for MTNL to increase its customer base and deliver high-quality voice and other communications services to its subscribers in Mumbai. MTNL expects to begin commercially offering these services later this year.

"We are proud of the fact that with the deployment of these 2 million mobile lines employing advanced wireless technologies from Alcatel-Lucent, we will enable MTNL to become the first telecom operator in India to provide third-generation services to its subscribers," said ITI CMD, Mr. Pritam Singh. 

"With the deepest and broadest wireless portfolio in the industry, and being the long-standing partner of ITI in India, we are bringing the latest third-generation technology to India," said Olivier Picard, President of Alcatel-Lucent's Europe and South activities. "This advanced technology will provide the high quality of service that the people of India deserve. Our goal is to create long-term value for all our customers by addressing their most critical challenges."

Alcatel-Lucent has more than 170 GSM/EDGE customers in more than 90 countries, making it a leading player in providing mobile communications solutions.  As a global leader in the development and deployment of third-generation (3G) networks, Alcatel-Lucent has deployed commercial 3G (CDMA2000 and W-CDMA/HSPA) systems for more than 70 operators worldwide.

Sourced From: Mutual Public Relations