Lucent to Upgrade MmO2's 3G Network

mmO2 and Lucent Technologies have announced plans to deploy a converged fixed-mobile network for mmO2's subsidiary, Manx Telecom, on the Isle of Man. The 3G 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.

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."

Posted to the site on 6th December 2004