Virgin Media Business is the first telecommunications provider in the world to re-certify its Ethernet portfolio under MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum) 9 and 14 service validation structure.
The re-certification comes after Virgin Media Business’ recent investment and upgrade to its Network Termination Units (NTU), further bolstering its nationwide high-speed fibre optic network.
The updated NTUs are paving the way for future development of the network and the services it supports, including technology such as end-to-end service performance management, real-time customer diagnostics and automated testing. All of these future improvements are geared at putting the customer firmly in the driving seat, allowing them to see exactly how well their services are performing and enabling near instantaneous web-based remote management.
“This year has been the year of data and we’ve been meeting this growing demand through the launch of our high capacity services proposition as well as unveiling our latest 10Gbit/s Ethernet point-to-point product, meaning that customers can now get lightning fast speeds over dedicated links,” said Andy McEwan, head of Ethernet point-to-point products.
“If 2010 was the year of data, then 2011 will see a clear focus on how that data is managed across the network. By re-certifying our updated NTU technology we’re preparing to meet the future demands of our customers. Soon, dispatching engineers just to test Ethernet connections will be a thing of the past. We want the future for our customers to be one that has as many of the traditional IT hurdles removed as possible, making IT the enabler.”
The MEF is an independent body dedicated to ensuring quality of service and best practice in Ethernet services. The certification scheme gives end users a high level of assurance that the providers they use conform to rigorous standards and high quality service levels.
Nan Chen, president of the MEF, added, “Virgin Media Business has long believed in the benefits of giving customers high quality Ethernet services by delivering the highest levels of service and network performance. By re-certifying its latest technology in accordance with the high standards set by the MEF, the company is once again underlining the importance of best practice. We look forward to a continued strong relationship with Virgin Media Business and other quality conscious service providers.”
Virgin Media Business’ newly certified products include its National Ethernet, Ethernet Extension + and Ethernet VPN. Full details of Virgin Media Business’ Ethernet portfolio can be found here.
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About the Metro Ethernet Forum
The MEF is a global industry alliance comprising more than 170 organizations including telecommunications service providers, cable MSOs, network equipment/software manufacturers, semiconductors vendors and testing organizations. The MEF’s mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of Carrier-class Ethernet networks and services. The MEF develops Carrier Ethernet technical specifications and implementation agreements to promote interoperability and deployment of Carrier Ethernet worldwide.
For more information about the Forum, including a complete listing of all current MEF members, please visit the MEF web site at http://www.MetroEthernetForum.org/
About Virgin Media Business
Virgin Media Business is the UK’s only telco with a nationwide fibre optic Next Generation Network. Launched in February 2010, the company aims to bring the Virgin philosophy to the business telecoms market. Providing innovative, high quality solutions built on brilliant customer service.
Virgin Media Business is the largest business-to-business brand in the Virgin group. With a strong product portfolio that includes its market leading Ethernet services. It uses its network asset in order to create bespoke tailored telecoms solutions for its customers. Employees are located at 40 offices across the UK, allowing Virgin Media Business to be closer to its customers in every sense.
Previously known as ntl:Telewest Business, organisations working with Virgin Media Business include London City Airport, Arqiva, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership and South West Water.
About Virgin Media
With almost 10 million customers, Virgin Media is the UK's first quad-play provider of broadband, TV, phone and mobile.
The company is one of the largest residential broadband providers in the UK, using a unique fibre optic cable network to deliver next generation ultrafast internet access of up to 50Mb to just over half of all homes. Combined with a high speed ADSL service and mobile broadband products, Virgin Media is able to offer broadband internet access to virtually the entire country.
Virgin Media has the UK’s most advanced TV on demand service and is the only TV platform to carry BBC iPlayer. It is the second largest provider of pay TV, was the first to launch a high definition TV service and offers a high-specification, HD-ready V+ personal video recorder.
The company operates the most popular virtual mobile network in the UK which, when launched, was the world’s first such mobile phone service. It is also one of the largest fixed-line home phone providers in the country.
Virgin Media also owns Virgin Media Television (VMtv) which runs seven entertainment channels, including Virgin1, LIVING, Bravo and Challenge. VMtv is a 50 per cent joint partner with BBC Worldwide in UKTV, which consists of ten channels including Dave, G.O.L.D., Watch and Alibi.
With operations based entirely in the UK, Virgin Media Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (VMED) and the London Stock Exchange (VMED).
For more information, go to http://www.virginmedia.com/
