UAE telco du has tapped Alcatel-Lucent for IP-routing technology to consolidate all its telecoms services onto a single network, with big gains in speed and performance expected, along with simplified network operation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent has started deploying its IP/MPLS solution, and will also provide du with a set of comprehensive professional services including project management, network design, installation and commissioning, software integration and operations.

“Convergence of fixed and mobile networks is a logical evolutionary step in our growth story,” said Osman Sultan, CEO of du. “This stems from the increasing propensity of our customers to access everything from a single device.”

The new unified network will power du’s multiscreen TV service, enabling customers to access du TV on their smartphone, tablet or PC, using Wi-Fi or 3G. It will also enhance du’s 4G LTE coverage, and boost the speed, performance and availability of du’s home services, business and mobile broadband services.

Last month, Alcatel-Lucent and du successfully deployed the first phase of the network with several sites across the three main regions of the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain) now carrying mobile traffic.