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Alcatel-Lucent First to Unveil Formal 4G Communications Solution and Roadmap

| Oct 27, 2011 | IP Services Infrastructure
| Analyst: Joe McGarvey

Event Summary

October 25, 2011 -- Alcatel-Lucent introduced its 4G Consumer Communications Solution, a set of applications that leverage Alcatel-Lucent’s IMS and application enablement portfolios to enable operators to extend communication services to LTE, fixed, and other high-speed IP-based networks. The solution is designed to assist operators in introducing consumer services that enable subscribers to switch between types of conversational channels and move media across devices. The first version of the solution is commercially available.

Quick Take

Analytical Summary

• Current Perspective: Positive on Alcatel-Lucent’s introduction of its 4G Consumer Communications Solution, as the solution provides mobile operators with a comprehensive set of applications and services that can be employed to assist them in differentiating their communications services from those available from rival operators or Internet-based service providers. In addition, the solution introduction from Alcatel-Lucent represents the most detailed example to date of a fully productized manifestation of a voice over LTE (VoLTE) and multimedia solution set. While most competitors have demonstrated similar capabilities, Alcatel-Lucent’s 4G Consumer Communications Solution goes the furthest in formalizing a commercial product for operators. The announcement does, unfortunately, suffer somewhat due to the fact that some of the most innovative functionality in the solution will not be available until late 2012 or beyond.

• Vendor Importance: High to Alcatel-Lucent, which is in a position to leverage the 4G Consumer Communications Solution as a showcase for the company’s underlying infrastructure and software equipment, specifically those based on the IMS standard and Alcatel-Lucent’s application enablement platform. Though the 4G Consumer Communications Solution is compatible with third-party IMS core session control equipment, a portion of the functionality does require Alcatel-Lucent gear for implementation and to provide additional value. If Alcatel-Lucent’s application offering for 4G communications is received favorably by subscribers in its first deployments, it could attract the attention of operators a year or more away from VoLTE adoption and drive their future IMS infrastructure purchases toward Alcatel-Lucent.

• Market Impact: Moderate on the IMS and VoLTE segments of the market, as nearly all of Alcatel-Lucent’s rivals possess similar functionality and are capable of assembling solutions that rival the Alcatel-Lucent 4G Consumer Communications Solution. The timing of live deployments also largely dictates the timing of any revelation of detailed application solutions enabling operators to deliver voice and multimedia services over LTE. With Alcatel-Lucent slated to be the first to provide application-layer equipment for a VoLTE deployment (as Verizon is scheduled to introduce a consumer offering sometime in 2012), it made the most sense for it to be the first to unveil a detailed solution set and roadmap. Look for rivals to time the introduction of 4G multimedia service solutions in step with the commercial rollout of services leveraging their equipment.


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Alcatel-Lucent makes connecting to anyone by video as simple as placing a call

New 4G mobile broadband solution makes it easy to have video, voice and messaging conversations using any combination of device, screen or network

4G World, Chicago - October 25, 2011 – Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is helping operators of 4G mobile broadband networks create a new conversation experience for their subscribers by introducing a technology innovation that makes it easy to switch between voice and video-calling, instant messaging and group calling and across a variety of devices - smartphone, tablet or PC – at the touch of a button.

Alcatel-Lucent’s new 4G Consumer Communications Solution makes it easier to reach friends or family by eliminating the need to find out what device, service provider or application they might be available on at the time of getting in contact. Subscribers are provided with access to a unified contact list that establishes a single point with which to connect to people, regardless of where they are or what device they’re using. The use of flash-capable web browser technology enables consumers to connect via video using virtually any PC or mobile internet device, so they don’t need to figure out whether the person they are calling is using a compatible video service or device as they do today.

Sandip Mukerjee, President, Advanced Communications Solutions at Alcatel-Lucent said: “By greatly simplifying access to the range of available communication formats and devices, Alcatel-Lucent’s 4G Consumer Communications solution creates a ‘new conversation experience’ that makes every contact as easy and reliable as a voice call. This improved experience will be welcomed by anyone who has ever suffered the frustration of juggling the multiple ways they connect with the people in their lives. Now subscribers just place the call in whatever format they choose and enjoy the service.”

The easy-to-use 4G Consumer Communications Solution also improves the experience of multitasking while connected to a 4G network, providing unique features to assure the performance of particular services. Both voice and video are delivered in high definition (HD) giving them a level of quality and immediacy far superior than what is typically available today.

Diane Myers, Directing Analyst for Infonetics Research, said: “Alcatel-Lucent’s 4G Consumer Communications solution gives service providers the ability to harmonize conversations across telecom and the web, while moving conversations beyond just voice. These new services, combined with high levels of quality of experience will enable operators to have clear differentiation from standalone application providers in the marketplace.”

At the heart of the 4G Consumer Communications solution is Alcatel-Lucent’s IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). IMS is the open standards architecture that enables any kind of multimedia or telephony access between any kind of device, either fixed or broadband, serving as a hub for multimedia communications in 4G networks.

The solution also supports Alcatel-Lucent’s vision of ‘Application Enablement’, helping mobile operators work more effectively with application developers and content providers to create new services. By providing developers with access to simple-to-use Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), developers can maximize the power of IMS and combine those capabilities with web-based services. As a result, operators can take advantage of the vibrant and growing community of app developers to build appealing services for their subscribers.

Alcatel-Lucent is involved in trials and deployments of this solution with numerous leading service providers worldwide.