eircom selects Alcatel-Lucent for all-IP network transformation

BRUSSELS — Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced that it has been selected by eircom, Ireland’s largest fixed-line service provider, to supply a seamless next generation network as part of its transformation to all-IP. Alcatel-Lucent’s end-to-end solution will enable eircom to offer innovative triple play services such as IPTV and converged communications services to both its residential and enterprise customers. eircom will also be able to improve its time to market while reducing its operational expenses through the simplification and optimization of the new converged infrastructure. Phase One of the project, covering the major nodes in Dublin is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2008.

Demand for new services from eircom is being driven by innovative content offerings such as international sports broadcasts available from satellite operators. By transforming its network, eircom will have access to programming choices that are not available through traditional terrestrial broadcasting stations in Ireland.

Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its Triple Play Service Delivery Architecture (TPSDA), the industry-leading end-to-end multiservice IP network infrastructure, enabling eircom to accelerate its IP transformation and to deliver a range of advanced, personalized multimedia services combining voice, data and video. Alcatel-Lucent is also responsible for the overall project management, maintenance and network integration, including OSS consulting and software integration services for eircom’s network.

“This is an important first step in providing a next generation network for Ireland. This solution will support the introduction of higher bandwidths and exciting new content services such as IPTV and video on demand” aid Rex Comb, CEO, eircom. “We will benefit from Alcatel-Lucent’s worldwide experience in network transformation and will leverage its end-to-end network integration and professional services to smoothly migrate to an all IP infrastructure in rapid time-to-market.

Michel Rahier, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s carrier activities stated: “eircom’s selection is further recognition of our ability to assist operators around the globe in their journey to all-IP networks. By converging all services onto an IP-based platform, operators such as eircom can save on OPEX due to the efficiencies in operational processes and procedures while quickly introducing new multimedia services into the market.”

As part of its TPSDA, Alcatel-Lucent will provide eircom with an IP/MPLS core and edge multiservice network solution based on its 7750 Service Router, 7450 Ethernet Service Switch and 5750 Subscriber Service Controller. eircom has also selected Alcatel-Lucent’s broadband access solutions based on its 7302 ISAM and its 8950 Service Fulfillment (SF) for the end-to-end provisioning of triple play services. The 8950 Service SF leverages the partnership with Comptel Corporation, the global market leader in convergent mediation and provisioning software solutions. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide extensive OSS consulting and software integration services to eircom.