Verizon re-ups Alcatel DSL deal

ATLANTA--Alcatel today announced a contract extension with Verizon Communications to supply DSL equipment through 2005. The contract coincides with a new push by Verizon to increase its high-speed access penetration rate.

Specifically, Alcatel will providing Verizon with its 7300 ASAM (Advanced Services Access Manager) and Litespan NGDLCs for 1000 central offices and remote terminals. Verizon also has committed to using Alcatel’s newest line of 7300 ASAM ultra high-density central office racks and the 7300 ASAM HDLP (High Density, Low Profile) for remote terminals.

Verizon, which along with SBC Communications and BellSouth issued a joint letter asking fiber vendors for proposals on a major fiber-to-the-user buildout, will be able to use the same Alcatel equipment if it decides to push fiber all the way to the home, said an Alcatel spokesman.

“A lot of those ASAMs are already fiber fed,” said the spokesman. “In a fiber to the unit configuration, it uses the same chassis and back plan as our DSLAM.”