T-Mobile selects Lucent to expand optimization of 3G networks

February 14, 2006

Lucent Technologies announced an extension to the network analysis and optimization service it has been delivering for T-Mobile International, focused on improving the end-to-end performance of T-Mobile International's UMTS networks in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. These services will also include T-Mobile's 3G HSDPA networks when they become operational.

To deliver the project, consultants and specialists from Lucent's services division will measure multiple Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for voice and data services, such as network coverage, data throughput, call setup, and dropped call rates. Network performance data is collected through extensive drive tests and interface measurements. As part of the engagement, Lucent specialist engineers will analyze and evaluate the measured data, using state-of-the-art tools and techniques, to provide optimization guidance to T-Mobile. The initial project began in October 2004, and the contract expansion will continue these services into 2006.

Since August 2005, the extended project has involved conducting competitive benchmarking tests in the four countries to compare the quality of voice and data services of all commercial UMTS networks. This gives T-Mobile International an exact overview of the quality of its own network and of those of its competitors.

"The UMTS network tests that we have contracted to Lucent are further proof of our deep commitment to network quality," said Heinz Schmid, executive vice president, responsible for radio access network quality at T-Mobile. "Every day our engineers are working to provide our customers with the best possible prerequisites for mobile voice and data communication in top quality."

"T-Mobile's selection of Lucent for analyzing and optimizing its UMTS networks is further proof that Lucent has the experience and the expertise to support multivendor networks," said Uwe Klingebiel, vice president, Lucent Worldwide Services, EMEA. "Our independent evaluation of network and services with respect to voice and data quality in T-Mobile's UMTS networks is laying the foundation for further improvements."