The operator’s proprietary Converged Interconnect Network which aggregates traffic closer to customers to improve infra efficiency
Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has improved its mobile network across the UK by connecting 1,000 mobile sites to its proprietary 10Gbps fibre backhaul network. This should improve throughput, latency and reliability. Previously the sites were connected to a third-party backhaul connection which could be a bottleneck.
The sites are now connected to Virgin Media O2’s new Converged Interconnect Network (CIN) built to carry mobile and fixed traffic. This means traffic can be aggregated closer to the customer making the operator’s network infrastructure more efficient. It also means greater reliability for customers.
According to VMO2, the architecture of the new network is inherently more resilient and can be scaled up to cope with growing demand for capacity. It also said the new backhaul arrangement can accelerate the roll-out of VMO2’s mobile network in future, helped by the fact it no longer has to pay a third party for fixed backhaul.
Steven Verigotta, Director of Radio & Mobile Backhaul Delivery at Virgin Media O2 said, “This is all part of our plan to provide customers with the best connectivity, no matter where they are.”
In July, as part of the drive to gain approval for Vodafone UK and Three UK to merge, Vodafone agreed to offload some spectrum to VMO2 UK. Details were not forthcoming. They also agreed to extend their long-established network-sharing agreement into the mid 2030s. Vodafone and Three were granted permission for the merger today.