[May 13, 2008] Alcatel-Lucent awarded three year frame agreement by Africell Burundi Tweet (Corporate IT Update Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) A three year frame agreement has been awarded to communications solutions provider Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris:ALU) (NYSE:ALU) by Africa Cellulaire (Africell) Burundi, a subsidiary of VTEL Holdings, which will start operating under its new TEMPO brand, for the delivery of a complete nation-wide GSM/EDGE network. Alcatel-Lucent said it will install and deploy a full end-to-end GSM/EDGE network, including Base Station Sub-systems (BSS); next-generation-based Mobile Switching Centers, consisting of the Alcatel-Lucent 5060 Wireless Call Server and Alcatel-Lucent Wireless Media Gateway; Intelligent Network applications and services platforms; and radio optimisation design and consulting services. In addition, the company will provide its high capacity microwave transmission solution to support voice and data traffic transport from the base stations to the core network and will hold responsibility for network maintenance. According to Alcatel-Lucent, its mobile solutions will allow Africell Burundi to provide mobile communications services throughout the country and secure the functionality to deliver value-added services to customers. Africell Burundi will reportedly be able to expand its network quickly and efficiently, while minimising deployment and operation costs and gain competitive advantages in the market. The first phase of the contract is valued at USD20m. ((Distributed by M2 Communications Ltd - http://www.m2.com)) ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) Copyright ? 2008 M2 Communications Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]