SYDNEY -- Telstra today announced the appointment of several key vendors who will assist Telstra in delivering its network transformation strategies.

These appointments are an element of the strategic review announced today by Telstra chief executive officer, Mr Sol Trujillo.

Alcatel - IP network transformation

Telstra today unveiled its IP network transformation vision for fixed broadband services.

Telstra also announced that it had chosen Alcatel as one of its key strategic partners for its ground breaking IP network transformation project.

Telstra and Alcatel today entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which they will negotiate formal agreements to reflect their strategic partnership.

The MOU envisages that Alcatel will provide Telstra with comprehensive network solutions and end-to-end integration capabilities. Alcatel's responsibilities will include network design and integration, product supply, deployment, maintenance and on-going support, in relation to broadband access, Ethernet aggregation, fixed next generation voice and network integration.

Telstra's Network Transformation Project will migrate Telstra's voice and broadband access networks into a single IP-based infrastructure for the cost-effective delivery of services to Telstra's customers.

Ericsson - 3G city-to-country mobile network strategy

Telstra announced today that it had chosen Ericsson Australia Pty Ltd as the vendor to develop its 3G city-to-country mobile network strategy under a memorandum of understanding.

As Telstra's chosen supplier Ericsson will provide a broad range of services including design, construction, support and maintenance services and equipment for its 3G core and radio access network infrastructure.

It is proposed that Ericsson will commence construction on Telstra's 3G city-to-country mobile network service from early next year.

Cisco - IP Core Network Upgrade

Telstra has selected Cisco Systems Australia Pty Ltd as its preferred vendor to upgrade its IP Core Network under a memorandum of understanding.

The IP Core Network Upgrade Project involves end-to-end delivery of a new IP Core network to replace Telstra's existing Telstra Internet Direct (TID) and Routed Data Networks (RDN).

The upgraded IP Core Network will deploy the Cisco® carrier routing system (CRS-1) and will deliver increased capacity, performance, predictability and continuous operation to allow Telstra to bring to market a range of Internet Protocol (IP)-based services for residential and business customers.

Further announcements

Telstra is also in discussions with several other vendors and expects to make further announcements in relation to these discussions shortly.

Telstra Corp.