Telecoms giant Vodafone has finished the rollout of software company VMware’s vCloud NFV single network virtualisation infrastructure (NVI) across all 21 of its European markets.

The switch now means the company can design and build and test new network functions more securely and around 40% quicker than before.

Switching to network function virtualisation (NFV) also means Vodafone can now operate network functions virtually instead of physically, something that has become essential during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Around 50% of Vodafone’s core network now runs on vCloud NFV, which supports voice core, data core and service platforms on over 900 virtual network functions. The NVI has been installed at over 57 sites across Europe, and 25 sites in Asia, Oceania and Africa.

Johan Wibergh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Group, commented: “Vodafone wants to be the industry’s leading digital telco and we are pleased with the progress made to introduce modern cloud-based technology and automation.

“Working with VMware, we have improved the speed and efficiency with which we can support customers and estimate that the cost of our core network functions has been reduced by 50%.”

Other British telecoms companies, such as BT, are also expected to switch to a cloud-based visualised network by 2022 to help provide 5G across the UK.

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Shekar Ayyar, executive vice president and general manager, Telco and Edge Cloud, at VMware, commented: “Leading service providers, like Vodafone, are adopting a telco cloud infrastructure to deliver next-generation applications and services.

“The successful engagement between our two companies is evident in the tremendous results Vodafone has captured since starting on their network transformation journey.

“We look forward to continuing to innovate together to unlock the transformational benefits of network modernisation for Vodafone customers.”