Alcatel-Lucent wins share of build-out for Vodafone’s Project Spring
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Alcatel-Lucent wins share of build-out for Vodafone’s Project Spring

Alcatel-Lucent has been awarded a contract to build out a share of Vodafone’s Project Spring investment plan.

The French vendor will focus on building out small cell transmitters and Wifi equipment for the UK-based operator, with the technology designed to deal with high data demands and enable coverage in built-up areas.

Financial details of the agreement were undisclosed, but the move represents Alcatel-Lucent’s first involvement in Vodafone’s Project Spring investment plan.

Vodafone has committed £7 billion to upgrade its mobile and fixed-line networks to accommodate 4G and fibre in Europe, and is the largest investment plan in Europe.

Chinese vendor Huawei was awarded a similar contract by Vodafone for a range of Project Spring initiatives earlier in the year.

Through Alcatel-Lucent’s small cell technology, Vodafone will be able to provide closer connections to end users and improve data services.

Alcatel-Lucent could potentially become Vodafone’s supplier for small cell across the world, and the company has invested significantly in the technology under its new CEO Michel Combes.

Alcatel-Lucent is also undergoing a restructuring program, with a large proportion of its budget now being spent on R&D for internet networking and faster broadband services, including a €1 billion cost-cutting exercise.


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