Cable & Wireless Communications is investing in new network that will serve as backbone for IPTV services, fixed operations and business-to-business services in three Caribbean markets.
Ericsson and Cisco have agreed to supply and install IP networks for C&W, which operates the retail brand Flow. The plans include an upgrade to the IP backbone network in the Bahamas to improve performance and support increased traffic, and a new business-to-business IP/MPLS network in Jamaica and Barbados.
The upgrade is part of C&W's investment plan for the region to continue transforming its customer experience. Cisco will provide the hardware while Ericsson will provide project management services. The deal includes Cisco routers and switches from the ASR9000, ASR900 and WR4500 families, supply and installation of Cisco’s Evolved Program Network Manager (EPN-M) system, overall project management, and customer support.
‘We needed a powerful and intelligent solution to bring IP networking to both Jamaica and Barbados, while at the same time improving the IP network in the Bahamas,’ said Carlo Alloni, executive vice-president and CTIO, C&W. ‘This partnership will allow us to offer even more value-added services including our world-class IPTV services as well as introduce more innovative solutions to our customers.’
Ericsson and Cisco formed a global business and technology partnership in November 2015 (see Ericsson and Cisco forge partnership of giants). The strategic partnership combines the strengths of both companies: routing, data centre, networking, cloud, mobility, management and control, and global services capabilities. The first product from the collaboration, Ericsson Dynamic Service Manager, was announced in February 2016. More than 200 active customer engagements have now started to turn into won deals in IP (routing and transport) and services, the companies claim. The partners have previously announced deals with 3 Italy, Vodafone Portugal and Aster Dominican Republic.
‘Cisco and Ericsson working together have the combined breadth, depth and lifecycle engagement required to help operators like Cable & Wireless succeed in their transformation to an IP-centric network,’ said Jordi Botifoll, Cisco president Latin America and senior vice president in the Americas. ‘Working together on this project will lead Cable & Wireless to a standardized approach across other markets, so that all their business-to-business and IP fixed networks will be supported by IP/MPLS, helping them do things better and faster.’
The Cisco-Ericsson partnership has been cleared by Brazilian regulatory authorities and will be implemented there under local agreements.