Vodafone takes further strides with AWS Wavelength in Europe, expanding services to more businesses
Vodafone Spain has joined forces with operations in Germany and the UK, expanding its collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). This partnership allows Vodafone Business to offer customers across multiple European countries the advantages of high bandwidth and ultra-low latency through distributed Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) powered by AWS Wavelength.
Spain has joined Germany and the UK in implementing AWS Wavelength at the edge of their 4G and 5G networks. Vodafone and AWS have now introduced the pilot AWS Wavelength Zone to customers in Andalusia, Southern Spain, in addition to the existing locations in London, Manchester, Berlin, Munich and Dortmund.
MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing) plays a vital role in unleashing the full potential of cellular networks. By moving cloud-based IT services to the network’s edge, MEC reduces latency and enables seamless and time-sensitive services like remote surgery, connected industrial robots and autonomous cars. With latency as low as single-digit milliseconds, MEC also empowers critical IoT applications and enhances biometric security. While MEC tends to be associated with 5G networks, the standard was developed in a way that enables it to be deployed independently of network transport type.
Jennifer Didoni, Vodafone Business’ cloud, edge & mobile private networks leader, emphasizes the transformative potential of 5G and edge computing for their clients. Collaborating with AWS allows Vodafone Business to provide applications and IT resources to clients rapidly and faster than human sensory perception.
“By bringing these services closer to the customer across Germany, Spain, and the UK, they can access Apps on tap in more places, in high definition, at machine speed, with performance that wasn’t possible before,” Didoni continues.
Distributed MEC running on AWS Wavelength in Spain is being tested for improved road safety. Vodafone’s Safer Transport for Europe Platform (STEP) connects drivers with transport authorities and each other, facilitating real-time sharing of safety information, hazard warnings, and traffic updates across different devices and in-vehicle systems.
The STEP platform integrates real-time data for national transport, enhancing automotive test capabilities and improving highway safety.
Vodafone Spain plans to test distributed MEC using AWS Wavelength and Extended Reality. This approach will create a 3D digital twin of applications, allowing near-instant changes without actual physical visits.
The company says the Edge Innovation program has already shown promising results with over 30 companies in the UK and Germany. MEC holds potential for various sectors, including agriculture, logistics, industry, entertainment and social health.
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Article Topics
4G | 5G | AWS | deployment | MEC | public edge cloud | Vodafone
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