Alcatel-Lucent has offered Telefonica its expertise to deliver 4G mobile broadband services to people in Europe with the deployment of LTE technology that will enable the launch of the first 4G wireless network in Spain.

The 4G pre-commercial pilot networks in Madrid and Barcelona – based on LTE (Long Term Evolution) mobile broadband technology - will enable Telefonica to test different applications and services that can take advantage of the blazingly fast Internet connections that 4G LTE delivers. The project will also give Telefonica the opportunity to explore the overall performance and cost advantages of the technology.

Alcatel-Lucent brings to this project the experience and expertise developed building and launching the world’s largest and most advanced 4G LTE network in the US. This technology will enable Telefonica’s customers to benefit from the same compelling, high-quality experience enjoyed by consumers in the US.

“This project represents an important step forward in Telefonica’s plans to help lead the transition to 4G in Europe, and offer an unmatched mobile broadband experience to the people of Spain. It also opens a new chapter in our relationship with Telefonica, as we join them as a partner on their journey to the next generation of wireless communications”, said Stephen Carter, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Alcatel –Lucent.

For this project Alcatel-Lucent will provide Telefonica with a complete, end-to-end 4G LTE solution – including LTE base stations (eNodeBs), all-IP wireless Evolved Packet Core (EPC), and subscriber data management capabilities based on our IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) portfolio.  Alcatel-Lucent also will build, operate and maintain the network on Telefonica’s behalf allowing Telefonica to focus on developing the best service for their customers while taking advantage of Alcatel-Lucent’s world-class operations experience.

For the pilot, Alcatel-Lucent is also offering to Telefonica the support of the ng Connect Program, a global initiative that brings together device, application, network and content companies to accelerate the availability of next generation services and applications. Through the ng Connect program, mobile operators benefit from open innovation, pre-integrated solutions, reduced time to market with 4G LTE-enabled services, and the ability to drive new and non-traditional business models and realize the next generation connected user experience.