6 Billion $ 3 year Verizon Wireless Network Upgrade

Verizon plans to boost its wireless data network through a new three-year contract with Alcatel-Lucent that is expected to be worth $6 billion.

In addition to increasing the coverage and capacity of Verizon Wireless' existing CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access) EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) Revision A broadband data network, Alcatel-Lucent will also supply technology to enable VoIP and video telephony services. The EV-DO Revision A network offers users a 300Kbps to 400Kbps upload data rate and 450Kbps to 800Kbps download speed.

The network update, part of Verizon Wireless' transition to an all-IP network, will also support other new multimedia services that combine voice, data and video, Verizon Wireless said. Many mobile operators are in the midst of moving to IP networks, which can efficiently handle data traffic and allow for new types of services.

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