Agreement covers a wide range of networking equipment, software, and services Verizon Wireless Inc. will spend $5 billion on a wide variety of networking equipment, software, and services from Lucent Technologies Inc., in an agreement announced Tuesday.In the deal, Verizon Wireless agreed to buy $5 billion worth of networking equipment within six years, although past deals between the two companies have been completed in three to four years, said Lucent spokeswoman Debra Lewis. The companies signed a similar $5 billion agreement in March 2001.The two Verizon Wireless agreements are “among our largest contracts awarded,” Lewis added. With the latest agreement, Lucent will continue to be Verizon Wireless’ primary next-generation network infrastructure supplier. The equipment, software, and services from Lucent will help Verizon Wireless increase the coverage and capacity of its existing next-generation voice network and high-speed, wide-area BroadbandAccess data network, according to the companies.Under the agreement, Lucent will provide software and equipment from its entire product line, including Bell Labs-developed wireless, optical and data networking equipment. Lucent Worldwide Services will perform network optimization, integration and deployment services.The agreement includes a $525 million contract announced in March, naming Lucent as a key supplier for Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess high-speed data network, and it replaces 2001 agreement. Technology Industry