EE has finished moving onto a new national IP/MPLS core network using edge routers built by Juniper.
The UK-based operator said the MX Series 3D Universal Edge Routers would build capacity and performance into its 4G network for the medium term.
Among the functions the SDN-ready routers could be used for is to launch new MVNOs or run multi-service IP interconnects with other vendors.
The operator said it chose Juniper’s MPLS platform because of the work its parent companies Orange and Deutsche Telekom carried out with the vendor during the past 12 years.
EE’s 4G network has grown quickly since it launched almost two years ago and has almost four million subscribers, with LTE sales now outpacing those of 3G contracts.
Its 4G service covers more than 72 percent of the UK’s population, with 3G hitting 98 percent. It announced last week it is launching VoWiFI and VoLTE trials ahead of commercial launches.
Peter O’Donnell, head of Transport Network Design and Planning, EE, said: “As the first mobile operator to launch LTE in the UK, EE had to ensure that the quality of the 4G service was of the highest standard. We now predict 97 percent of our customer base will be using 4G devices by 2018, largely because of the positive experience our network has delivered.
“The MX Series from Juniper has a strong track record with proven investment protection. The Universal Edge provides EE with all the capacity and performance head-room that we need in the medium term and has a strong development roadmap, so our investment is sound.”
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