Lucent Technologies was an American multinational company that specialized in telecommunications equipment and services. Founded in 1996 as a spin-off from AT&T, it focused on developing technologies for voice, data, and video communications. The company played a significant role in the growth of the internet and mobile networks during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2006, Lucent Technologies merged with Alcatel, a French telecommunications company, to form Alcatel-Lucent. This merger aimed to enhance their capabilities in providing integrated communications solutions globally. Lucent's innovations contributed to advancements in networking and telecommunications infrastructure.