Vivo Undertakes IP Network Transformation

Brazil is the largest economy and has the second largest mobile phone subscriber base in Latin America.  Previously owned by Portugal Telecom (PT) and Telefonica, Vivo is the largest mobile operator in Brazil. It has more than 60 million subscribers and about 30% market share in Brazil.

   With the rapid development of 3G services, Vivo has to pay increasingly large leasing fees for bearer networks, and their O&M costs are increasing every year. Faced with this rising cost pressure, Vivo has determined to build a nationwide bearer network. The network will bear existing 2G/3G services and will support smooth upgrade to LTE with a low TCO. 

   Vivo’s original mobile bearer network was based on TDM microwave, SDH MUX and leased lines. This led to high OPEX. To gain a competitive advantage and move with the development trend of all IP, Vivo needs to construct a cost-efficient bearer network that can rapidly deliver new services, improve user experience, cut down CAPEX and OPEX, and ensure long-term network evolution. Strict requirements are therefore put on multiservice bearing capability, interoperability, reliability, optimized operation, and energy conservation in PTN equipment. After many field tests, Vivo chose ZTE as its major PTN equipment supplier.

   ZTE’s full range of PTN products satisfy Vivo’s requirements for layered network construction. The small, highly-integrated ZXCTN 6000 series is used for the network access and aggregation layers. It employs full-packet, centralized switching and modular structure and allows for integrated access to TDM/ATM/ETH/IP services. The ZXCTN 9000 series based on advanced distributed modular architecture is used for the network core and aggregation layers. It supports a large-capacity switching matrix.

   With automatic power control, smart fan speed control, and intelligent power consumption, the PTN products are also eco friendly. Their integrated, small-sized design cuts down equipment maintenance costs.

   Vivo conducted strict three-phase tests for PTN products that ran for more than a month. ZTE outperformed all competitors in the tests. Vivo was satisfied with ZTE for its outstanding product performance, cost-effective solution and efficient teamwork. 

   “We worked well with ZTE throughout the project and are quite impressed with their technical expertise and quality products. Both parties will have happy long-term cooperation,” said Javier Rodriguez, CTO of Vivo.