Sprint Local Telecommunications Division (www.sprint.com) plans to convert its existing digital circuit switched network to a packet switched network beginning in Jan. 2003, and has awarded Nortel Networks (www.nortelnetworks.com) a contract estimated to be worth approximately $1.1 billion over four years to help it make that transition.
The conversion will consist of an entire network evolution including both Class 4 and Class 5 components to packet utilizing subscriber line over ATM (SloA) technology. The process will combine three separate overlay networks into a single, converged network for voice, data and private line services.
Nortel Networks will provide products and services for Phase I of the packet switched network conversion. Phase I begins January 2003 and ends in July 2006, and includes the conversion of 3.6 million access lines. Throughout Phase I, Nortel Networks will be responsible for all product delivery and turnkey procedures including removal of circuit equipment, installation and testing of new packet equipment and initiating full functionality.
Sprint says the deployment activities will be transparent to its customers, but that prior to deployment it will provide information to the customers and communities scheduled to receive this new solution.
Packet switching enables multiple phone calls or Internet connections to share the same telephone line. Sprint says the move will enable it to expand its footprint for offering data services such as ATM, frame relay and DSL. The company also expects packet switching will reduce capital expenditures set aside for future growth and create efficiencies that will enable Sprint to meet the demands of customers, while addressing capacity growth.
