AT&T said it will use GPON products from Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson for a small percentage of its U-verse deployments, starting no earlier than 2008.

U-verse is typically based on a fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) architecture. In new builds, AT&T will use a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) architecture. When AT&T buys GPON equipment from Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson, it will be for FTTP installations in greenfields, by nature a business that covers a modest number of homes passed.

The Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson GPON products include unspecified equipment for the central office, as well as home terminals.

AT&T said both suppliers will soon begin lab testing and certification by AT&T Labs before field testing, which will include configurations for general deployment in single-family residences, and apartment and condominium complexes. Assuming the testing and certification process goes without a hitch, AT&T expects to start deploying GPON in 2008.