AlcaLu forecast: sales up, losses down

Michael Carroll | February 11, 2010

telecomseurope.net

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Alcatel-Lucent could enjoy a second boost in as many days, if analyst’s predictions the firm reduced its net loss in 2009 are accurate.

The firm is due to release figures before European stock markets open this morning (Thursday), a day after AT&T revealed it had awarded an LTE supply contract to the French-US vendor.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters tip Alcatel-Lucent to cut its net loss from €3.9 billion ($5.4b) in 2008 to €472 million, and grow revenues to €15.7 billion from €4.95 billion in 2008, Canadian Business reports.

In a boost for the company, AT&T has contracted Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson to supply LTE radio access equipment. The telco plans to conduct trials later this year and launch a commercial service in 2011.

Financial terms of the multi-year deal have not been disclosed.

AT&T’s CEO John Stankey said the deal highlights his firm’s competitive edge over rival US carriers. “AT&T has a key advantage in that LTE is an evolution of the existing GSM family of technologies that powers our network and the vast majority of the world’s global infrastructure.”

The announcement also provides welcome relief to Ericsson after a tough 2009.

The wireless infrastructure leader announced plans to cut 1,500 more staff after earnings fell 65% in Q4.

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telecomseurope.net

Michael Carroll

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