Vi revamps national backbone networks with Ciena

High-capacity, low-latency network lays the groundwork for 5G

VI Press Release
January 14, 2022

MUMBAI and HANOVER, Maryland, USA – Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL or “Vi”) revamps backbone scalability and service resiliency by deploying 5and next-generation coherent optical solutions from Ciena (NYSE: CIEN). As consumers, businesses and content players seek to embrace smarter digital experiences across India, Vi’s new 300G/400G backbone network increases scale and performance in a power and cost efficient way .

“Increasing data demand requires a high-capacity, resilient network that can thrive not just today, but for years to come,” said Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea Ltd. Ciena will enable Vi subscribers to benefit from highly available and scalable world-class connectivity and realize the benefits of cloud, IoT and 5G in the future.

Increasing and changing traffic patterns across India require new levels of capacity, flexibility, resiliency and programmability. With wider network coverage and faster broadband made possible by Ciena, Vi maximizes fiber capacity and network efficiency to prepare for 5G.

Vi has partnered with several Indian technology leaders, ecosystem players and start-ups to develop a range of relevant 5G use cases for Indian businesses and consumers. Vi’s collaboration with Ciena is in line with the service provider’s strategy to build a future-proof network for emerging technologies such as 5G to drive digital growth in India.

“Today’s competitive environment demands 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 in supporting digital applications today, Vi’s transformed network is ready for prime time.”

Vi deployed Ciena’s 6500 packet-optical platform powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme for 300G/400G broadband services, scalable to 800G. With the ability to adjust capacity for maximum agility while reducing power consumption, Vi delivers best-in-class connectivity in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner to customers across India. Ciena’s Manage, Control, and Plan (MCP) domain controller also provides Vi with analytical information to optimize network performance, improving its customers’ digital experiences.

###

About Vi

Vodafone Idea Limited is a partnership of Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group. It is the leading telecommunications service provider in India. The company provides voice and data services across India on 2G, 3G and 4G platforms and has a 5G ready network. With a broad portfolio of frequencies to meet the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to delivering enjoyable customer experiences and contributing to the creation of a true “Digital India” by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better future. The company is building an infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, enabling retail customers and enterprises to prepare for the future with innovative offerings, easily accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as an expanded presence on field. The company is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the brand name TM “Vi”.

For more information, please visit: www.MyVi.in and www.vodafoneidea.com | Twitter – @VodaIdea_NEWS

About Ciena

Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) is a networking systems, services and software company. We provide solutions that help our customers build the Adaptive NetworkÔ in response to the ever-changing demands of their end users. By delivering best-in-class networking technology through high-level consultative relationships, we’re building the world’s most agile networks with automation, openness, and scalability. For updates on Ciena, follow us on Twitter @Ciena, LinkedIn, the Ciena Insights blog or visit www.ciena.com.

Note to Ciena Investors
We encourage you to review the Investors section of our website, where we regularly post press releases, SEC filings, recent news, financial results and other announcements. From time to time, we only release material information on this website and other disclosure channels we use. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, forecasts, information and assumptions. These statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results or results may differ materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in our most recent annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements include statements about our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies and can be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “may”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “could”, “should”, “will” and “would” or similar words. Ciena undertakes no obligation to update the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Melvin B. Baillie