In a hopeful sign that carriers may be ready to invest in network expansion and improvements again, Bell Canada has placed a significant order for broadband access hardware software and services with Lucent Technologies.
Financial terms of the multi-year deal were not disclosed.
"Our customers are demanding faster, more efficient service to browse the Internet and access feature-rich applications such as multi-media downloads,online gaming, and video-streaming," said Carl Condon, a Bell Canada vice president.
Bell Canada, based in Toronto, will use the new gear to extend its digital subscriber line (define) service throughout the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
Specifically, the contract includes Lucent's AnyMedia Access System, which delivers voice and broadband services on a single platform; and Navis AnyMedia Element Management software, which allows the carriers to monitor and manage networks from a central location.
Lucent, based in Murray Hill, N.J., said its services arm will provide engineering and maintenance services as the equipment is installed.
"The flexibility and 'plug and play' applications of the AnyMedia Access System mean that Bell Canada can easily change the mix of telephone and DSL services in its network depending on the needs of its customers," said Carol Stephenson, president and CEO of Lucent Canada.
Telecom equipment vendors such as Lucent and rivals Nortel and Cisco have endured a difficult two years as carrier customers, buffeted by the economy and overcapacity in their networks, have delayed or canceled orders.
In recent weeks, a few have closed good-sized deals, raising hopes that buyers are ready to loosen pursestrings. Sector watchers will be watching for Juniper Networks's fourth-quarter results today to see if there is further evidence of a rebound.
This article originally appeared on internetnews.com.
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