Lucent, CommWorks add up to 3G

Phone-network parts maker CommWorks and Lucent Technologies announced Wednesday that they have completed testing of a 3G network using each other's products. A representative for CommWorks said Sprint and Verizon, the two U.S. carriers that hope to launch next-generation phone networks in less than a year, have already made plans to purchase the equipment.

CommWorks says it provides nearly 90 percent of the gear telephone carriers use when they offer data services, such as e-mail or Web surfing. Lucent has been supplying network equipment to carriers for years. 3G networks allow carriers to offer always-on high-speed wireless Internet access.