Alcatel-Lucent has bagged a $1.7 billion order from Chinese telecom operators, which could boost its expansion in one of the most lucrative telecom markets and shield it from the global economic slowdown.

The Franco-American telecom gear maker is expected to announce the deal today, according to industry sources.

Alcatel-Lucent will provide third generation (3G) network equipment for China Mobile and China Telecom, sources said.