China Mobile and Alcatel-Lucent announced that the two companies have signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for next-generation RAN (Radio Access Network) development on February 15, 2011, according to a press release by Alcatel-Lucent. As per the MOU, the two companies will jointly conduct technology studies to build a centralized and collaborative C-RAN (Cloud-based RAN), aiming to set up standards for cost-effectiveness, network intelligence, and energy-efficiency. The C-RAN is reported to provide enhanced network quality and coverage, reduce transmission resource consumption, and serve as a platform for multi-mode wireless standards, such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), 3G, and LTE (Long Term Evolution).