MADRID, Spain -- Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU - News) today announced that it has completed the transition of Telefonica Empresas' data traffic onto a new Internet Protocol (IP) packet network, incorporating technology from Lucent's Accelerate(TM) Next Generation Communications Solutions. The solution provides Telefonica Empresas with one of the world's largest next-generation networks, covering 48,000 ports, and 55 points of presence (PoPs) across Spain.

By migrating to an IP infrastructure, Telefonica Empresas, through Telefonica Data Espana, has simplified its network and reduced operating costs, and this will allow the carrier to introduce advanced services as it chooses.

As part of the agreement between Lucent and Telefonica Empresas, Lucent Worldwide Services (LWS) provided design, integration, migration and operations and maintenance for the transition from Lucent 5ESS® switches to a network of Lucent network controllers and gateways. LWS will also provide advanced remote technical support and training for the carrier's network.

The Lucent next-generation communications solution can drastically reduce operations and maintenance costs (OPEX), and allow a more flexible and speedier service development.

Lucent's support for Telefonica's network includes a contingency plan to maintain operations should a significant element of the network be taken out through fire, power outage or other accident, with equipment situated in different sites and in different cities.

"Lucent Technologies is pleased to have completed this highly-complex project and provided Telefonica Empresas with a state-of-the-art next- generation solution that is a match for anything else in full operation in the world today," stated Bernardo Villazan, VP for Lucent Technologies, Spain.

"This is a very appropriate time to hand over this next-generation network coinciding with Lucent's 20 years of activity here in Spain, a key country in Lucent's European operations," Villazan added.

Telefónica SA