Telstra Corporation Limited and Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU - message board) today announced that they have reached a critical milestone in the roll-out of Telstra’s next generation Internet Protocol (IP) network (the Telstra Next IP™ network), by successfully deploying close to 900,000 IP DSLAM (ISAM) ports.

A critical piece in the Telstra Next IP™ network, Alcatel-Lucent’s ISAM provides higher speed capability of up to 24 Mbps and opens up the potential for a new range of triple play based services.

Alcatel-Lucent is one of Telstra’s strategic suppliers and the end-to-end network integrator for the first phase of their wireline transformation project, which has established the largest business network in Australia, servicing 95 per cent of businesses.

“The Telstra Next IP™ network, coupled with Telstra’s Next G™ wireless network, creates a platform that will transform communications for Australian businesses and governments,” said Telstra Executive Managing Director of Network & Technology, Mr Dan Burns. “The Telstra Next IP™ network further demonstrates Telstra’s commitment to investment in high-speed broadband access in Australia under the right regulatory settings.”