EE, the UK’s largest mobile network operator, has completed the migration to its new national IP/MPLS core network, which underpins the delivery of 4G services built using Juniper Networks’ MX Series 3D Universal Edge Routers.

EE introduced the UK’s first 4G mobile services in October 2012 and also uses the network to provide 3G services to approximately 30 million connections on EE, T-Mobile and Orange plans, as well as through MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators).

The operator’s 4G coverage today reaches 72% of the UK population, with 3G coverage reaching 98% of the population.

In the 19 months since its launch, EE has signed up 3.6 million 4G subscribers, with sales of 4G plans now outstripping 3G.

With a fast rate of customer adoption, the network had to be underpinned by an MPLS platform capable of providing carrier-class high-performance at scale, in order to deliver a consistently excellent end user experience.

The implementation of a new high-performance multi-service core using Juniper Networks SDN-ready MX Series Universal Edge Routers fitted into EE’s ongoing platform consolidation agenda and long-term network vision.

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EE and its parent companies have used Juniper equipment in multiple fixed and mobile networks deployments around the world.

“As the first mobile operator to launch LTE in the UK, EE had to ensure that the quality of the 4G service was of the highest standard,” says says Peter O’Donnell, head of Transport Network Design and Planning, EE. “We now predict 9% of our customer base will be using 4G devices by 2018, largely because of the positive experience our network has delivered.

“The Universal Edge provides EE with all the capacity and performance head-room that we need in the medium term and has a strong development roadmap, so our investment is sound.”

Sean Dolan, senior vice president, EMEA, Juniper Networks, added: “People are reliant on mobile devices, applications and services – and they have built up expectations of even faster downloads and high-quality application performance from 4G/LTE-enabled networks.

“EE chose to build a High-IQ Network using the MX Series at the Universal Edge to meet that demand while creating a sustainable business model that monetises its investment effectively.”