Virgin Media Business Wholesale (VMB) has launched an enhanced core platform for National High Capacity Services (NHCS).

The offering is part of a wider partnership with Ciena, and uses Virgin Media O2's optical network to provide high bandwidth, ultra-low latency connectivity with no distance limitations.

This 'multi-million-pound' network upgrade, which VMB has labeled 'Project Spark,' has been designed to deliver expanded 10Gbps wholesale services. Project Spark was launched in 2020 to upgrade VMB's 10Gbps portfolio.

It's based on an overlay of the company's existing network, with the ISP claiming it allows for quicker, easier, and more intelligent delivery of NHCS services. It also uses Ciena's kit, with the company's WaveLogic coherent optical product underpinning the enhanced NHCS core network capability.

The upgrade is being rolled out across the UK, the company confirmed, with the new NHCS core network providing an alternative way of provisioning NHCS services. It is based on dedicated switched Ethernet technology, which is delivered over an optical platform.

According to the ISP, the existing NHCS services operate at over 300 sites and provide connectivity to more than 150 data centers.

The first 14 sites for the new core network are now live across the UK, including four data centers: Equinix MA1 (Manchester), Equinix LD5 (Slough), Interxion Sovereign House (London), and Telehouse East (London). VMB says that hundreds more sites will be added next year and into 2024.

"The launch of our new National High Capacity Services core network is set to provide our partners with quicker and simpler provisioning to help improve their customer experience," said Virgin Media O2 Business wholesale fixed director Diego Tedesco.

"It’s a major milestone in our Project Spark investment program, and now the first sites are live we’re focusing on rolling out our 10Gbps portfolio to many more locations, delivered faster and through greater automation."