India's Vodafone Idea has contracted Ericsson to deploy a cloud packet core to enhance its existing core network.
The deployment forms part of the operator's ongoing network modernization program. It is aimed at enabling speedier introduction of new services and providing full service continuity over the operator's network.
Under the agreement, Vodafone Idea will deploy Ericsson core network applications and network functions including the Ericsson virtual Evolved Packet Gateway (vEPG), Service Aware Policy Controller (vSAPC) and Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVi) solutions.
The NFVi solution is designed to enable operators to deploy virtual telecom, OSS, BSS, IT and media applications at a low total cost of ownership.
“Data consumption in India is growing rapidly and users are looking for new, richer experiences every day,” Vodafone Idea CTO Vishant Vara said.
“At [Vodafone Idea], we endeavor to stay ahead of the curve by investing in technologies and solutions to address the evolving demands of millions of our customers in India. We are confident that Ericsson’s vEPC solution will be enable us to meet our strategic goals.”
Ericsson head of digital services for SEA, Oceania and India Alvise Carlton added that the project is one of the vendor's largest virtual evolved packet core deployments globally to date.
“This will not only provide VIL the scale and reach to address the growing data traffic levels in India, but the advanced cloud infrastructure will also enable VIL to tap new revenue streams in SMEs and IoT.”