alcatel

ABI survey identifies top three femto developers

Mon, 05 May 2008 06:59:53 -0400

ABI Research has released details of the top three femtocell developers using an analytical tool to determine a clear understanding of each supplier's market focus. The company stated that Ubiquisys had been ranked at the top of the list, with Alcatel-Lucent and ip.access claiming the second and third spots.

According to London-based Stuart Carlaw, a VP and research director for ABI, the market continues to see manufacturers shuffle as early RFP and trial activity takes hold. "Interestingly, major players in this market such as Cisco, Motorola, NEC and Nokia are not represented in the measurement matrix as they are positioning themselves as complete solution providers and have chosen not to produce their own products but to partner instead with dedicated box vendors."

The femtocell vendors were assessed by ABI on parameters such as innovation and implementation across several criteria unique to each vendor matrix. To view a list of the top ten firms in this vendor matrix, visit Femtocell Vendor Matrix.

For more about ABI Research's femtocell survey:
- check out this release

Alcatel-Lucent's CDMA business declines in 1Q

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Alcatel-Lucent's mainstay CDMA business is on the decline, the company reported. That decline and the faltering economy resulted in a 6.5 percent decline in wireless network sales year-over-year, despite the fact that the vendor doubled ts sales in WCDMA.

Alcatel-Lucent CEO Patricia Russo predicted that growth for the company would be flat in 2008, but that the improvements in the W-CDMA business would continue. The company plans to integrate its 3G product lines later this year, giving it a single GSM and WCDMA platform to support and significantly lowering its R&D costs. Russo also said that as the industry transitions to 4G deployments, Alcatel-Lucent is well positioned to sell both LTE and WiMAX technologies as well as hybrid solutions that mix GSM and WiMAX as well as CDMA and LTE.

"We're poised to capture a 4G footprint by leveraging our existing customer relationships as well as our expertise in some of the key technology areas that are relevant to 4G, spanning both LTE and WiMAX," she said.

To read more about Alcatel-Lucent's first-quarter results:
- check out this Telephony report

Rumor: ip.access wins femtocell deal with AT&T

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:59:56 -0400

According to a report from ThinkPanmure, AT&T has inked a $500 million deal with ip.access for 7 million femtocells, which it plans to sell to its subscribers for about $100. The firm says the deal was fiercely fought with companies such as Motorola, Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia Siemens Networks and Airvana heavily contending for the contract.

Further, ThinkPanmure believes such a win could push Cisco to look at ip.access as an acquisition target.

"We believe Cisco is looking to increase its profile in wireless, and that ip.access is likely next in this strategy as Cisco's femtocell play. We believe that if this were to happen, it would be integrated into the Linksys organization," said the firm.

- Check out ThinkPanmure's web site

Related articles:
Sprint launches femtocell service in two markets Report on Sprint's femtocell launch
T-Mobile plans femtocell trials Report on T-Mobile's femtocell plans

ALSO NOTED: Fitch Ratings says 700 MHz auction will have modest credit impact on winners; Alcatel-Lucent announces first North

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:59:51 -0400

> Towerstream announced today that it launched fixed WiMAX service for businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, area. Article

> Fitch Ratings says that it expects the recent 700 MHz auction will have only modest credit implications for wireless operators. Article

> Alcatel-Lucent announced that its first North American WiMAX network will be deployed in Palm Springs, Calif. Article

And Finally... A U.S. industry survey released Tuesday by CTIA at the conference found that data service revenue in 2007 rose to more than $23 billion from $15.2 billion in 2006. Article

ALSO NOTED: WiMAX Forum forecasts 113M subs by 2012; Airvana, Alcatel-Lucent demo EV-DO femtocell ; and much more...

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:59:51 -0400

> The WiMAX Forum today released its projections for global WiMAX subscribers. The forum estimates more than 133 million WiMAX subscribers by 2012. The organization commissioned an independent research study that will be published next month. Release

> A new report from Infonetics indicates sales of mobile data cards could nearly quadruple between last year and 2011 to reach $2.9 billion. Article

> Airvana and Alcatel-Lucent today announced they will jointly demonstrate an end-to-end 3G CDMA/EV-DO femtocell solution, supporting voice and mobile high-speed data services, at the CTIA Wireless 2008 tradeshow and exhibition. Release

And Finally... Behold, a leather-covered iPhone. Article

SPOTLIGHT: Alcatel-Lucent wins WiMAX contract in Croatia

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:59:52 -0400

Alcatel-Lucent has won a contract from WiMAX Telecom to help that company set up a wireless broadband network in Croatia. The network will be powered by WiMAX 802.16e-2005 Rev-e technology, and will initially be available in the Split and Osijek areas. WiMAX Telecom is a European wireless broadband operator which holds 3.5GHz spectrum licenses in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, and Slovakia. Article

ALSO NOTED: Alcatel-Lucent wins WiMAX contract in Croatia; Apple updates AirPort Express with 802.11n; and much more...

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:59:51 -0400

> Alcatel-Lucent will build a mobile WiMAX network for WiMAX Telecom in Croatia. Article

> Apple updated its AirPort Express mobile base station with 802.11n. Article

> Accuris Networks launched a GSM/WiFi solution. Article

And Finally... According to former CTIA head Tom Wheeler, WiMAX is this decade's PCS. Article

Alcatel-Lucent reveals mobile data performance tool

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

Alcatel-Lucent has created a mobile data performance analysis tool, called the 9900 WNG, designed to give mobile operators insight into their network in terms of what applications are using up mobile network resources and affecting performance. Knowing this information allows operators to manage and optimize their networks for data traffic volume. With flat-rate pricing plans, mobile data running on 3G networks is ramping up.

"Existing tools are blind to parts of the network--radio tools are blind to IP traffic, and IP tools are blind to RF [radio frequency] issues," said Michael Schabel, general manager at Alcatel-Lucent Ventures.

For more about Alcatel-Lucent's data performance analysis tool:
- check out this article from Unstrung

Related articles:
- Carrier executives: Mobile data revenues in trouble Report
- Sprint: Unlimited plan won't tax network capacity Report

NextWave signs on Alcatel-Lucent for WiMAX TV

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

Following its introduction on Monday of MXtv, a mobile multicast and broadcast technology for WiMAX operators, NextWave announced Alcatel-Lucent will integrate the technology into its mobile WiMAX solutions. The two companies plan to perform a series of interoperability tests with Alcatel-Lucent's commercial WiMAX infrastructure starting in the second quarter of 2008.

Earlier this week NextWave announced a similar deal with Chinese vendor Huawei that calls for the manufacturer to deliver the integrated MXtv technology into its WiMAX solutions.

MXtv technology will enable operators to deliver a range of multimedia services, including mobile TV, interactive media and digital audio without having to invest in new spectrum or extra radio access network equipment, NextWave said.

MXtv is a similar proposition to NextWave's UMTS MBMS-based TDtv. The company has gained traction of late for that technology, signing on Orange and T-Mobile to a six-month pilot in the London area. The technology proposes to reduce mobile broadcast costs by means of shared, unpaired 3G spectrum and a standards-based TDtv network. NextWave has this capability from its acquisition of IP Wireless last year.

For more about NextWave's deal with Alcatel-Lucent:
- read this release

Related articles:
NextWave introduces mobile TV platform for WiMAX Report
Orange, T-Mobile UK partner for TDtv trial Report

Vodafone could launch femtocells this year

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

Commercial femtocell services could become available from Vodafone by the end of this year. The apparent drive behind this schedule is the potential CAPEX cost savings, which the company admits could be up to 20 percent of its 3G macro network deployments.

Vodafone, which last year finalized its RFP for femtocells, has been testing 3G home base stations from Alcatel-Lucent and Huawei in Spain for some months. However, the company's CTO, Steve Pusey, speaking at Vodafone's recent Technology Update, while highlighting the cost saving opportunity that femtocells present, also tempering the outlook for their commercial success.

"We're still studying it," said Pusey. "We've approached femtocells from a cost savings perspective. It gives us the potential to improve coverage and reduce backhaul costs. It may or may not have commercial opportunities beyond that."

Vodafone estimated that of its total network CAPEX spend for full-year 2007/2008, radio access will account for 48 percent, while backhaul will account for 32 percent.

For more on this story:
- read this article from Unstrung

Related articles:
Vodafone trials femtocells in Spain Report
T-Mobile plans femtocell trials Report

ALSO NOTED: Nortel demonstrates WiMAX VoIP call controlled by 2G/3G network; Alcatel-Lucent to expand AT&T's 3G network ; and m

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:59:51 -0500

> Nortel is demonstrated the ability to provide VoIP calling using a 2G/3G GSM/UMTS core network to host 4G WiMAX access. Release

> Alcatel-Lucent has announced an agreement for the vendor to support the expansion of AT&T's UMTS/HSPA wireless network. Article

And Finally... Rogers' new mobile data plan is completely unlimited except where it's limited. Article

Alcatel-Lucent, NEC join forces on LTE

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:59:56 -0500

Alcatel-Lucent and NEC announced they will join forces to develop LTE and wireless broadband infrastructure gear. Specifically, the two firms, which have already collaborated on an LTE trial, will pool their R&D on MIMO (multiple in/multiple out), OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiple access) and other IP technologies. Both companies said that by teaming on their efforts they will speed deployment of LTE, which they expect to have commercially available in 2009.

This venture will likely impact operators such as Verizon Wireless and NTT DoCoMo. Lucent is currently involved in an LTE trial with Verizon Wireless and NEC is working with NTT DoCoMo on its Super G LTE trial.

The two companies say they will contribute equally to the R&D budget for this collaboration and it will be jointly managed. However both companies will be responsible for the fulfillment and execution of their network technology with their respective customers.

It's certainly an offensive move given the fact the LTE landscape is expected to be even more competitive than current generation competition. Chinese vendors like Huawei and ZTE are vying to get a strong hold in the global infrastructure market.

To read more about Alcatel-Lucent and NEC joining forces for LTE:
- check out this release

Related articles:
Alcatel-Lucent and LG complete LTE call Report
The 4G buzz is growing Editorial

ALSO NOTED: KDDI close to naming WiMAX vendor; Chrysler developing navigation system that will include WiMAX; and much more...

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 06:59:51 -0500

> Alcatel-Lucent plans to open a WiMAX Application and Interoperability Testing Center to local Taiwan customer premises equipment manufacturers, working with the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Article

> KDDI's WiMAX joint venture is reportedly close to choosing its vendor for the $1.3 billion mobile WiMAX network in Japan. Article

> The proliferation of higher data-rate networks and associated handset availability means super 3G devices will become the largest selling handset type by 2012, according to Informa Telecoms & Media. Article

> Chrysler announced yesterday that it is developing an advanced wireless communications and navigation system that eventually will provide mobile WiMAX connectivity. Article

Prediction: Non-traditional vendors will rise up

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 06:59:53 -0500

Higher speed data networks are ushering in opportunities for alternative vendors beyond the big companies such as Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent. Chinese vendor Huawei saw some significant momentum in 2007 with UMTS deals with the industry's largest operators: Telecom Italia, Vodafone and T-Mobile International. Companies that missed out on the 2G and 3G revolution such as Samsung and Fujitsu are looking to WiMAX to propel them in leadership positions. Look for some aggressive moves from these types of vendors to gain the trust of operators.

ALSO NOTED: Capex on 4G won't happen until 2990, says Alcatel-Lucent; Motorola's ex-CTO becomes Cisco's CTO; and much more...

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 06:59:51 -0500

> According to ABI Research, 6,161 hospitals out of the 7,526 in the U.S. now have WiFi networks deployed. Article

> The House of Representatives this week overwhelmingly voted yes on a bill that requires any entity offering an open WiFi connection to the public to report illegal images, such as child pornography, or face stiff fines. Article

> Capital investment in 4G technologies by operators worldwide as well as the implementation of the 700MHz infrastructure in the US are not expected to start emerging until 2009, according to Mary Chan, president of the wireless business group at Alcatel-Lucent. Article

And Finally... Motorola's ex-CTO becomes Cisco's CTO. Article

Alcatel shows mobile WiMax base station

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 19:01:36 -0500

Alcatel is using the 3GSM World Congress 2006 to establish itself as an early mobile WiMax solution leader. The company unveiled its Evolium WiMax base station, based on the IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard (formerly known as 802.16e, but the name was changed after the December 2005 draft approval). The base station will be available for commercial network deployments starting mid-2006.

Alcatel's Evolium supports fixed, nomadic, and mobile usage. The company makes the case that, in the developing world, the solution will help meet the growing need for affordable VoIP-based telephony, high-speed Internet access, and community services, especially in areas where no fixed broadband network exists. In more developed markets, Alcatel's solution will complement fixed and mobile networks, enabling operators to extend their service reach for broadband applications such as mobile Internet, video, gaming, and mobile office.

Alcatel is an active member of the WiMAX Forum and it has been has been working on mobile WiMax for a while. Alcatel and Intel have teamed up to pursue comarketing activities to boost the WiMax market take-off by examining real-life usage models and assessing end-user behavior (see Intel's involvement in the Folsom WiMax warm zone project).

For more on Alcatel's mobile WiMax move:
- see this Xeuronext report

Alcatel shows 2nd-gen WLAN switch

Tue, 31 May 2005 20:01:37 -0400

Alcatel is showing the first result of its collaboration with its new partner, Aruba, by releasing the second generation of its OmniAccess WLAN switch (the partnership with Aruba was forged after Cisco acquired Airespace). The new product also gives evidence for Alcatel's recongition that convergence is the name of the game. Alcatel's Brian Witt told wi-fiplanet that in today's enterprise there is no longer a distinction between wired and unwired gear. "The user view is about mobility," he says. "It's about how to connect, wireless or wired, for data, voice, and collaboration that converges data and voice."

The intelligence of the centralized WLAN will reside in the switch, which will handle data encryption and assign security policy and access rights to users. The OmniAccess equipment will be tracking users and keep them connected as they move about within the network coverage area. The new family will feature three stackable OmniAccess products, two with eight ports (one supporting 4 APs, the other supporting 16 APs), and a 24-port unit which can handle up to 48 APs. A four-slot modular controller used in large networks will be able to control and monitor up to 512 APs.

The lowest-end model starts at approximately $2,600. Alcatel is, in effect, selling the Aruba line with the enhanced capacity to manage more APs (in fact, 10 times more APs than the Airespace equipment Alcatel used to sell). The comapny also offers the full range of APs. Single radio software is configurable for either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Single radio units are priced at $300, and dual-radio APs, for simultaneous operation in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, are priced at $700. Alcatel will keep supporting existing customers with first-generation Airespace equipment. The support contract with Airespace is for five years, but Witt belives most customers will migrate to the second-generation switch long befofe that.

For more on Alcatel/Aruba offering:
- see Eric Griffith's wi-fiplanet report
- and Alacetel's website