Alcatel-Lucent, Datang Mobile to build TD-SCDMA for China Mobile

Alcatel-Lucent and Datang Mobile scored big wins as China Mobile tapped the companies for a TD-SCDMA trial network expansion program.
Datang and Alcatel Shanghai Bell will provide technology for expansion of the 3G network in the cities of Shangai and Guangzhou. Datang is a leading TD-SCDMA developer, and in 2004 forged a strategic partnership with Alcatel to further the technology.
The move appears to be one of the first substantial contract awards for TD-SCDMA technology. TD-SCDMA is China’s homegrown 3G standard. Shares of Alcatel-Lucent inched upward on the news, gaining 17 cents, or a little more than 1 percent, to $12.52.
“Datang and Alcatel Shanghai Bell enjoy a long-term strategic partnership in the area of TD-SCDMA and have worked diligently to advance its development,” said Tang Ruan, president of Datang Mobile. “In the process, our companies have acquired in-depth experience with TD-SCDMA technology and enjoy significant advantages because of this.”
Meantime, Vodafone Group plc selected L.M. Ericsson to manage the supply and distribution of spare parts for its mobile networks across Germany, Spain and Portugal. Under terms of the deal, which was described only as a “multi-million Euro” pact, Ericsson is charged with providing logistics, warehousing, repair and replacement of multi-vendor spare parts.
“This agreement will bring further benefits from leveraging on economies of scale and skill across several countries,” said Hans Vestberg, an Ericsson executive. “This is an evolution of Ericsson’s managed services capabilities, enabling operators to outsource their entire supply chain of spare parts. This is also to date one of the biggest contracts for multi-vendor spare parts management.”
Ericsson shares climbed $1.24, or 3 percent, to $38.73 following the announcement.