Alcatel-Lucent will assist British Telecom (BT) for evolving to 21st Century Network (21CN) with the project spread over a period of five years.

Alcatel-Lucent will make use of its High Leverage NetworkTM (HLN) architecture and transformational services for the project.

The evolution is expected to allow BT’s customers in more than 120 countries to benefit from the development of 21CN. It will provide an end-to-end transport solution which integrates IP and optical transport resources along with professional services such as project management, design, installation and commissioning, repair and return and software updates.

 “21CN is a huge transformational programme. It''s about providing a network for the future which requires a game-changing approach.” said George Nazi, managing director, BT 21CN Core Convergence. “Alcatel-Lucent came up with an innovative solution that will help us keep 21CN at the forefront of innovation and radical change.”

“BT’s 21CN is one of the most complete, exciting and ambitious business transformation programmes anywhere in the global telecommunications industry,” said Lakh Jemmett, Vice President, Alcatel-Lucent North Europe. “We are proud that our High Leverage Network architecture is enabling BT to transform their business, transform their networks, and deliver powerful new services in a scalable, cost-effective way.”