Virgin Media O2 UK has chosen VMware to modernize its network and support the continued expansion of its 5G rollout.
The operator will use VMware Telco Cloud Infrastructure to rapidly design, build, test, and deploy virtualized network functions, accelerating innovation across its network and speeding delivery of new services. This collaboration has supported Virgin Media O2’s 5G deployment over the past 16 months.
VMware Telco Cloud Infrastructure provides a unified platform that helps Virgin Media O2 simplify, scale, and better secure its core cloud networks. Running a reliable, agile network that can be efficiently upgraded to maintain coverage and performance is critical to the success of 5G, particularly in highly regulated and competitive markets.
Virgin Media O2 will also adopt VMware Tanzu for Telco’s Kubernetes cluster capabilities to develop Containers as a Service (CaaS) expertise. This supports the next generation of containerized network functions and strengthens the network’s ability to integrate multi-vendor solutions. The ability to onboard functions quickly and interoperate across vendors is essential for fast deployments, and VMware’s common platform allows Virgin Media O2 to add capabilities incrementally.
Sanjay Uppal, senior vice president and general manager, Service Provider & Edge at VMware, said: “As 5G rollouts near completion, service providers need to modernize network infrastructure quickly, simply, and cost-effectively. A single platform that automates and streamlines delivery of multi-vendor network functions is the most effective approach.
“Working with VMware, Virgin Media O2 can deploy network infrastructure that enables its 5G services to scale without limitations by leveraging the agility, flexibility, and consistency of a common platform.”
Chris Buggie, director of Infrastructure & Cloud Engineering & Delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: “Virtualizing and modernizing our network is essential to maintain our position as a leading telco in the UK and EU, and we are pleased to partner with VMware to achieve this. Using a consistent NFV- and cloud-native platform to onboard and manage workloads and network functions lets us reinvest in the network and our customers, delivering a service we can be proud of.”
Interested in learning more about cybersecurity from industry leaders? Discover Cyber Security & Cloud Expo for insights from experts. The series includes events in Santa Clara on 11–12 May 2022, Amsterdam on 20–21 September 2022, and London on 1–2 December 2022.
Find additional enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge in their upcoming events listings.