Vodafone Idea partners with US-based Ciena for 5G rollout

Indian telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has restored its national backbone network with U.S-based telecom equipment maker Ciena to prepare for the fifth-generation (5G) network rollout.  

Vi noted that as consumers, enterprises, and content players look to embrace more innovative digital experiences across India, its new 300G/400G backbone network increases scale and performance energy and is cost-efficient.   

“Escalating demand for data requires a high-capacity and resilient network that can thrive not only today but for years to come,” said Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea Ltd.   

“Preparing a future-fit network, through our partnership with Ciena, will enable Vi subscribers to experience world-class highly available, scalable connectivity and realize the benefits of the cloud, IoT, and 5G in future,” he noted.  

In addition, Vi has established partnerships with several technology leaders, ecosystem players, and Indian start-ups to develop a range of 5G use cases relevant for Indian enterprises and consumers.   

The Indian telecom operator’s collaboration with Ciena is aligned with the service provider’s strategy to build a future-fit network for emerging technologies such as 5G, to drive digital growth in India.  

“Today’s competitive environment requires operators like Vi to operate a higher performing network with maximum agility at a lower cost per bit,” said Ryan Perera, Vice President and General Manager, Ciena India.   

“With the network playing an increasingly important role to support digital applications today, Vi’s transformed network is ready for prime time,” he added.  

Ciena’s Manage, Control, and Plan (MCP) domain controller also provides Vi with analytical insights to optimize network performance, enhancing its customers’ digital experiences.  

“Today’s competitive environment requires operators like Vi to operate a higher performing network with maximum agility at a lower cost per bit,” said Ryan Perera, Vice President and General Manager, Ciena India. “With the network playing an increasingly important role to support digital applications today, Vi’s transformed network is ready for prime time.”   

Last but not least, Vi has deployed Ciena’s 6500 packet-optical platform powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme for high speed 300G/400G services, upgradable to 800G. The firms further noted that with the ability to adjust capacity for maximum agility while also reducing energy consumption, Vi delivers best-in-class connectivity cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly manner to customers across India.