TIM has launched a project aiming to transform its optical packet metro network in Italy, which it said is the next step of its three year network improvement plans.
The Italian operator is working with Cisco on the project, which it said was “an important step” in evolving its IP network. The optical packet metro network (OPMN) collects and aggregates all traffic from its fixed, mobile and company connections.
It will be updated with new automation solutions and software-defined network technology to increase operational efficiency as well as launch new 5G friendly business models.
The operator will integrate Cisco’s Aggregation Services Router 9000 as part of the plans. It said this would give it the ability to deliver “simplified and optimised operational models” and a better quality IP traffic transport.
Further, it would provide customers with 100 gigabit IP connectivity, which it said would be vital for meeting booming demand for video consumption.
The deployment of the optical packet metro network is part of TIM’s €11 billion infrastructure investment plan, unveiled in February. The operator is devoting €5 billion of that pot to network innovation.
It has set itself a target of delivering “national ultra-broadband” across fibre and 4G to 99 percent of homes and the population respectively by 2019.
Last week, the operator announced it would launch 700MBps speeds across seven cities in Italy.