Alcatel-Lucent's fourth quarter and full year 2009 results show full year revenues of €3.967bn, down 19.9% from the previous year. Revenues from software applications segment recorded an increase of about 5% and those in the services segment also rose slightly.

From a geographical point of view and constant exchange rates, revenues show a decrease in double figures in all areas, with Europe down 15%. Revenues from the wireless business was €799m, down 33.7% over the same quarter a year earlier, at constant exchange rates. GSM has been significantly impacted by slower growth in the number of mobile subscribers and by reducing investments in all areas where Alcatel-Lucent has a significant presence.

Ben Verwaayen, CEO, commented: "We have kept our commitments for 2009, and I am satisfied with the operational progress we have made."

Annual revenues are in the bottom of the range indicated for the year in view of a fourth quarter weaker than expected. "However, strong growth in orders from one quarter to another and the growing success achieved in next-generation technologies are encouraging. We have far exceeded our goals of reducing costs for 2009. Over the last two quarters, we have demonstrated our ability to generate cash through tighter management of our need for working capital. With asset sales and marketing of a convertible bond, we finish the year with a significantly strengthened balance sheet."

A more stable economic environment and the explosive growth of mobile Internet will drive market growth in 2010 and beyond, he says. "As a trusted partner to help our customers in their migration to IP and LTE, we are now well positioned to benefit from this growth and become a normal company by the end of 2011."