AT&T names vendors for U-verse expansion

US telco AT&T Inc has contracted Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson to provide equipment for an expansion of its U-verse fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network. The vendors will supply Gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON) equipment in new-build residential areas, with the first deployments scheduled to begin next year. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. U-verse offers IP-based triple-play TV, telephony and internet services in 21 markets, including recent launches in San Diego, Detroit, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Dallas-Fort Worth.