Lucent Technologies and Juniper Networks, Inc. announced a contract with Dutch telecom operator KPN to deploy the next part of KPN´s Internet Protocol (IP)/Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) core network. When fully implemented, this core multi-service network will enable KPN to support a variety of business and consumer services such as Ethernet VPN (Virtual Private Network) as well as advanced IP services such as IPTV and video streaming.

This announcement follows a 2003 agreement between Lucent Technologies, Juniper and KPN for the first part of KPN's national IP/MPLS network over a unified core transport platform. The first phase of the rollout was aimed at the delivery of Ethernet VPN services to KPN's enterprise customers in the Netherlands, and the second phase will improve network redundancy and reliability, enabling KPN to introduce integrated voice, video and data services ("triple play") for consumers. KPN's triple-play services will include high quality streaming video content, video on demand, TV broadcast, fast Internet access and VoIP.

As with the earlier agreement, the new contract includes Juniper Networks M- and T-series as well as deployment services and maintenance by Lucent Worldwide Services. By deploying additional Juniper routing platforms, KPN´s network performance, reliability and redundancy will be significantly improved -- a pre-condition for the carrier before launching high quality streaming video services.

"Lucent and KPN have worked closely together for years on new technologies. This ambitious project, which is unique in Europe, enables KPN to provide its customers with state-of-the-art and future-proof Ethernet and MPLS services," said John van Vianen, senior vice president Business Unit Connectivity for KPN. "KPN already had a long-standing, proven relationship with Lucent Technologies and Juniper Networks."

"This continued IP/MPLS network rollout will support an even broader range of services for KPN's customers countrywide," says Huub de Klerk, customer group leader North Europe at Lucent Technologies. "Lucent is proud to be selected again to help continue KPN´s network build. This agreement is strategic to us, as it underscores our commitment and expertise in core networks."

Eddie Minshull, vice president of operations for Juniper Networks, Europe, Middle East and Africa said, "This agreement highlights our expertise in IP/MPLS in the most demanding environments, where the network infrastructure is the basis for a new generation of high-performance triple-play services. By choosing Juniper's routing platforms, KPN will be able to gain benefits in costs, performance and reliability."

Juniper Networks M- and T-series enable providers to consolidate multiple networks onto a single IP/MPLS infrastructure, while simultaneously generating new revenues with leading-edge services such as integrated voice, video and data.