US-based networking major Cisco announced its recent association with telecom operators such as Telstra, Vodafone and Saudi Telecom Company (STC) — at MWC 2017.
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Vodafone
Cisco has worked with Vodafone Germany to launch GigaTV, a next-generation cloud video service which is accessible through a TV set-top box or smartphone and tablet applications for channels and video-on-demand (VoD) offers.
GigaTV, powered by the Cisco Infinite Video Platform, allows Vodafone to deliver a premium video service with improved functionality, video quality and access to content through external platforms like Maxdome, Sky and other VoD providers.
“GigaTV brings together conventional television and new video services via a personalized user experience, whether you are at home or on the go with your smartphone or tablet,” said Manuel Cubero, chief commercial officer of Vodafone Germany.
Saudi Telecom Company
Cisco signed a 3-year managed services deal with Saudi Telecom Company to transform STC’s core network and operations. The deal delivers the full functionality of a Service Provider-grade Network Operating Center (NOC) to support STC’s drive to introduce new services, improve customer experiences and enhance network agility and performance.
“This contract with Cisco has been structured to take our digital operations to the next level through the introduction of tools, processes and, a focus on developing local calibers across multiple technology domains to meet the needs of the business on the one side, and to increase the technical Saudi workforce on the other,” said Nasser Alnasser, senior vice president for Technology and Operations at STC.
Cisco says the new managed services contract covers STC’s core MPLS, which carries all of the service provider’s core and critical services, in addition to WiFi and Evolved Packet core networks, as well as the IT Enterprise and Data Center core business.
STC aims to generate maximum value from their investments in network architecture and support the streamlining of operations, maintenance and the expansion of the network by signing Cisco as its managed services contractor.
STC has around 100 million customers across the globe with a fiber-optic cable network spanning 137,000 kilometers across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Telstra
Telstra, a telecom operator in Australia, aims to make investment in Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). Telstra is expanding Network Service Orchestration (NSO) automation across its Ethernet and IP platforms as a key technology enabler to deliver this future network.
Cisco said its NSO technology, deployed 12 months ago, has helped Telstra to achieve a reduction in the provisioning time of equipment for new services from hours to minutes through the automation of network and customer service configuration and turn-up testing of Ethernet and IP products. This automation has also reduced the amount of failed service activations and network issues.
“NSO’s approach to network automation and service orchestration is enabling Telstra to improve network service outcomes for our customers,” said David Robertson, Telstra’s Director for Network Transport & Routing Engineering.
