AT&T has chosen Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, and Juniper Networks as its Domain Suppliers for IP/MPLS/Ethernet/Evolved Packet Core equipment needed for its IP-based network.  

The multi-year selection covers equipment used to route and forward IP packet traffic (voice, video, and data) through AT&T’s network.  Financial terms of the agreements with the suppliers were not disclosed.

"AT&T’s selection of these three industry-leading suppliers as Domain Suppliers showcases our ongoing commitment to meet the quality expectations of our customers today, while preparing for the demands of tomorrow," said Tim Harden, President of AT&T’s Supply Chain and Fleet Operations organization.

Earlier this year AT&T had selected Alcatel-Lucent & Ericsson as  suppliers for its Radio Access Domain for its planned LTE deployment. Supplier selection paves the way for planned field trials of LTE technology later this year with commercial deployment scheduled to begin in 2011.

According to company statement, AT&T’s Domain Supplier program, launched in September 2009, facilitates a more collaborative relationship with its equipment and software suppliers, enabling AT&T to have the best technologies in place to serve its customers.  The program is also designed to ensure that the company’s network technology investment accelerates AT&T’s move toward a network that is well-equipped for the future.