Vivacom and Alcatel-Lucent have announced a new deal to upgrade the operator's broadband network in Bulgaria to satisfy the terms set out in the EU's Digital Agenda.

It is hoped that subscribers to Vivacom's network will be given access to improved video, voice and data services thanks to the adoption of Alcatel-Lucent's gigabit passive optical networking (GPON) solution.

The move, which the provider hopes will also streamline operating costs, has been designed to deliver higher connection speeds and improved reliability for 1,000,000 households in Bulgaria.

Bernard Moscheni, Vivacom's chief executive officer, explained that customers will feel the benefits.

He said: "Vivacom is successfully implementing its programme for network development, focused on guaranteeing a better customer experience as well as supporting Bulgaria in meeting its commitments to the European Union.

"Our partnership with Alcatel-Lucent - one of the leaders in this domain - will enable us to improve our product and services offerings to our customers."