Verizon Wireless and Lucent Technologies today announced an agreement worth at least $5 billion for Lucent to supply a wide variety of network equipment, software and services for Verizon Wireless' national next-generation voice and data network.

The equipment, software and services from Lucent will make it possible for Verizon Wireless to increase the coverage and capacity of its existing next-generation voice network and high-speed, wide-area BroadbandAccess data network based on CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology.

"At Verizon Wireless, we're focused on our growing customer base and ensuring that they have the highest quality products and services," said Dick Lynch, executive vice president and chief technical officer for Verizon Wireless. "Lucent has long been a key supplier and has helped us provide our customers the most satisfying wireless experience possible. Going forward, we're going to count on Lucent as we roll out high-speed mobile data services nationwide and continuously improve the quality and reliability of our network."

Under the agreement, Lucent will provide infrastructure and technology spanning its entire portfolio, including Bell Labs-developed wireless, optical and data networking equipment along with network management and applications software. Among the products to be supplied are Lucent's Flexent® Modular Cell 4.0 base stations. Lucent Worldwide Services will perform network optimization, integration, planning and design and deployment services.