Virgin Media Agrees Curated Wi-Fi Deal With Devicescape

Virgin Media has agreed a deal with Devicescape to deploy its Curated Virtual Network (CVN) platform so that the users of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) are automatically connected to Wi-Fi hotspots if the signal is stronger than their mobile coverage.

Devicescape’s curated network currently includes 20 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world and is expected to reach 1.1 million in the UK by 2017. The company has entered a number of contracts with other mobile operators , claiming it can ensure customers always have the best possible connection, whether Wi-Fi or cellular.

Virgin Media says the development will allow its customers to surf the web and access exclusive services such as Virgin TV Anywhere more easily when they are outside the house.

Virgin Media Devicescape

“We‘re always looking at new ways to ensure our customers have access to the best possible data connection, whether in home or on the go,” says Jamie Heywood, director of mobile at Virgin Media. “Using Wi-Fi we know how much our customers value services like Virgin TV Anywhere so it’s important we’re able to deliver a seamless integrated experience when it comes to data connectivity.”

Operators are becoming increasingly concerned about capacity crunches in urban areas as customers increasingly demand more data. Small cells and Wi-Fi offloading have been touted as potential solutions to this problem, and Devicescape is confident that it is well positioned to benefit.

“Mobile data demand continues to both be a challenge and an opportunity, which has led to innovative companies like Virgin Media implementing strategies to enhance the online experience of its customers,” says Dave Fraser, CEO of Devicescape. “As more and more network operators adopt a public Wi-Fi strategy to support their existing infrastructure, the benefits of Devicescape’s CVN for mobile subscribers will become increasingly apparent.”

Virgin Media was the world’s first MVNO when it launched in 1999 as Virgin Mobile and recently extended its agreement with EE, allowing it to continue to offer mobile services to its three million customers.

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