OKLAHOMA CITY-Dobson Communications Corp. signed a contract with Alcatel to deploy a mobile next generation network core in Dobson’s GSM-based network. Alcatel said the network solution will enable Dobson to evolve its current network to support advanced mobile services, support the growth of the carrier’s GSM subscriber base and reduce operating expenses.
The network core includes Alcatel’s 5020 Spatial Atrium Softswitch, which Alcatel claims is a multi-standard mobile call server controlling distribution media gateways and managing call/session control for voice and data services.
Terms of the contract were not released.
Dobson currently relies on Alcatel for digital cross connects and microwave solutions and signed a contract last year for Alcatel to provision and deploy a broadband software-defined base station solution in parts of its Michigan network.
Alcatel recently announced deals to provide network infrastructure for Cingular Wireless L.L.C. and T-Mobile USA Inc.’s GSM-based networks and signed a deal with Chinese vendor ZTE Corp. to provide an end-to-end CDMA solution.
