JUNE 18, 2007 -- AT&T Inc. (search for AT&T) has selected Alcatel-Lucent (search for Alcatel-Lucent) and Ericsson (search for Ericsson) to provide equipment for the planned deployment of GPON in greenfield areas of AT&T affiliates' local service territories as part of the overall U-verse network strategy. Financial terms of the awards were not disclosed.

With its U-verse strategy, AT&T is deploying fiber-to-the-home technology, including PON, in new-build residential areas throughout the local telecommunications service territories and will deploy a fiber-to-the-node network infrastructure in existing neighborhoods. Both of these network infrastructures enable delivery of the U-verse portfolio of IP-based services.

AT&T U-verse offers customers a combination of digital television -- including access to more than 25 High Definition (HD) channels -- and high-speed Internet access.

Both suppliers will begin lab testing and certification by AT&T Labs "soon," prior to field testing, which will include configurations for general deployment in single-family residences, apartments, and condominium complexes. Pending successful resolution of testing and certification, general deployment of G-PON is expected to begin in 2008.

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