Armenian ISP Icon Communications has selected Alcatel-Lucent to design, deploy and maintain a commercial WiMAX 802.16e-2005 (Rev-e) network in Armenia. The new network will enable Icon to introduce wireless broadband services in the country by the end of 2008. The network will first cover Armenia's capital Yerevan. Alcatel-Lucent's WiMAX Rev-e network will enable Icon Communication to provide broadband internet access to its subscribers in a first phase of the project and introduce VoIP and VPN services in a second phase. Icon Communication's WiMAX service offering will me aimed at business and residential customers and government organisations. Under the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will supply a WiMAX Rev-e system, including base stations, wireless access controllers, and an operations and maintenance center as well as customer premises equipment. The core IP network will be based on the Alcatel-Lucent 7710 Service Router to provide IP/MPLS networking, network management and service-oriented quality of service enabling new mobile IP services. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide Icon with the 9500 Microwave Cross Connect and 9400 AWY Microwave systems to support backhaul requirements for the network, as well as network planning and engineering, integration, optimisation and commissioning services.
