Juniper Networks upgrades Virgin Media O2’s core IP backbone network to 800G readiness

Juniper Networks

California, Sunnyvale, United States. 23 January 2023 –Juniper Networks, a secure, AI-driven networks, announced that Virgin Media O2, is fixed and mobile service provider with approximately 50 million online media connections, upgraded its IP core backbone network with Juniper capable of supporting 800G. Virgin Media O2 is investing in sustainable infrastructure for the long term that can support sustained data growth and bandwidth demands. Its investment underpins the rapid introduction of revenue-generating services while delivering significantly-reduced power, cooling and space consumption and costs.

Consistently good user experience is a fundamental benchmark of success. As its 5G and network expansion continues, Virgin Media O2 turned to Juniper to build a network that is 400G-enabled and 800G-ready to create a near future-proofed digital foundation for its customers. Virgin Media O2 selected Juniper as the technology partner for this strategic upgrade for numerous reasons, including its previous track record as a key networking provider for more than ten years with Virgin Media and O2 before their joint venture in 2021. Another significant factor was Juniper’s ability to deliver compelling economics for Virgin Media O2. These include long-term investment protection through continuous custom silicon innovation by keeping pace with market demands, the planned use of automation tools to help reduce operational costs and a favorable Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) with a reduced energy consumption design.

“Virgin Media O2’s stated ambition is to ‘upgrade the UK’, providing fast, seamless broadband access and mobile services to as many homes and businesses as possible. This calls for responsible, strategic innovation and investment to create an agile network infrastructure that can simultaneously scale in step with our business, be mindful of resource consumption and deliver an extended lifecycle that protects our investment. Juniper is a long-standing technology partner, so it is very reassuring that it has the same vision for sustainable growth, user experience and the fundamental importance of digital enablement in our communities and economy.” says Jeanie York, chief technology officer, Virgin Media O2

“Service providers face a complex set of technical and commercial challenges that can be contradictory, even intractable and likely only to multiply in the future without the right approach. Virgin Media O2 has chosen to leverage silicon, software and automation innovation from Juniper that can turn complexity on its head to deliver a simplified, more reliable and more sustainable network foundation for its business. This means the company can embrace and accelerate growth and service evolution, safe in the knowledge that its millions of users will continue to be able to enjoy the best digital experiences going forward, whatever demands the future may bring.” says Raj Yavatkar, chief technology officer, Juniper Networks.

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