Lucent Ready to Snag Verizon Deal

A loud sales win with an old pal could help Lucent (LU Quote) drown out the negative noise for a while.

The New Jersey telecom-equipment giant is near a new supply pact with Verizon (VZ Quote). At the moment Lucent is in the final months of a three-year, $5 billion contract to supply the nation's biggest telco with wireless gear. Though people familiar with the arrangement don't yet know the timing or final terms, they are certain that Verizon's choice for the next version of the contract will again be Lucent. Verizon and Lucent reps declined to comment. ...