MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, BARCELONA, Spain, February 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced plans to develop and distribute a prepaid option to operators in the wireless market for use with the BlackBerry(R) platform.
Customized for BlackBerry(R) smartphones, the real-time, volume-based charging solution will be hosted by Alcatel-Lucent and will seamlessly integrate with operators' existing networks. This option will enable BlackBerry smartphone users to track the minutes and data they have used against the prepaid amount remaining in their account so they can easily refill their account as needed.
"In line with Alcatel-Lucent's strategy to provide extensive expertise in managed communication services, we are proud to develop and provide customers with prepaid options for BlackBerry smartphones. We hope this solution will enable more operators in high-growth economies to greatly expand their business opportunity", said Michel Rahier, President of Alcatel-Lucent's Carrier business.
"We are proud of the work that has been done in partnership with Alcatel-Lucent to bring the BlackBerry solution to new markets and we look forward to expanding this relationship," said Jim Balsillie, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Research In Motion. "We believe a prepaid option enabled by Alcatel-Lucent will add significant value for our operator partners and further broaden customer interest in BlackBerry smartphones."
The partnership between Alcatel-Lucent and RIM has already led to distribution of the BlackBerry solution in several countries across Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, including China, the world's largest wireless market.
About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) provides solutions that enable service providers, enterprise and governments worldwide, to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. As a leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent offers the end-to-end solutions that enable compelling communications services for people at home, at work and on the move. With operations in more than 130 countries, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The company has the most experienced global services team in the industry, and one of the largest research, technology and innovation organizations in the telecommunications industry. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 17.8 billion in 2007 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com
SOURCE Alcatel-Lucent
