The deal is aimed at simplifying Telefónica’s operational processes, which differ from country to country and use a number of software platforms. This will enable Telefónica to improve QoS for its customers and optimise costs.
Under the agreement, Alcatel will combine Telefónica’s network management systems at the core of its operational support systems into a single global software platform. Alcatel said that this platform will play an “essential” role in operations monitoring and management as well as the resolution of network problems.
“We have great confidence in Alcatel-Lucent to integrate our best practices into a new, common service assurance platform that will help with streamlining our operations and ensuring service performance. Together, over the course of the next few years, we will achieve a new level of harmony and consistency that will make us more agile and efficient in managing our networks to respond to our customers’ needs, to improve service quality and offer the highest availability with customer-focussed, intregrated processes,” said Enrique Blanco, global CTO at Telefónica.
The deal comes as Telefónica looks to reduce its €57 billion debt and streamline its business processes, including the sale of various assets worldwide.
Alcatel-Lucent will provide professional services expertise in the design, build and deployment of the platform. The vendor will also help Telefónica combine best practices and operating procedures in Telefónica’s different operations.
This will include standardising software and procedures for network management across Telefónicas fixed and mobile networks to help improve response times for the resolution of network issues.
The overhaul will be carried out without disrupting existing services or impairing quality, with Alcatel maintaining the platform in the coming years.
