Verizon signs $5 b Web pact with Lucent

NEW YORK: Verizon Wireless said it awarded Lucent Technologies Inc. a contract worth at least $5 billion for software, network equipment and services to help it build high-speed Internet services.

Verizon Wireless, a venture of Verizon Communications and Britain's Vodafone Group Plc, said the contract includes a $525 million deal from March and replaces a contract from 2001. Lucent will supply gear for a fast data network based on technology known as EV-DO.