Lucent wins big in Brazil

Lucent Technologies today struck a $130 million contract to build out the third-generation network for Brazil’s largest mobile operator, Telesp Cellular.

While Lucent has presence in the Latin American market with contracts in Puerto Rico, Argentina, Venezuela and Mexico, having an inroad into Brazil gives the vendor more of a competitive edge.

“This is our most significant 3G contract to date in Latin America,” said a Lucent spokesman.

As part of the deal, Lucent will supply the carrier with 3G-ready network switches, base stations and software. In addition, the contract calls for Lucent to build a new wireless network to operate alongside Telesp’s existing wireless network in markets such as Sao Paulo and the port of Santos, because Telesp’s other vendor’s network cannot be upgraded beyond 2G. Therefore, Lucent is providing an overlay to its competitor’s network, while its own equipment can be enhanced to make it 3G-ready, the spokesman said.

Lucent, which has been hit hard by the economy, has had positive momentum in wireless, the spokesman said. At the end of June, the company announced a $1 billion, three-year deal with Sprint PCS for 3G equipment and services. Lucent also has 3G contracts with Verizon Wireless and China Unicom.