Vodafone Spain continues strengthening its strategy in the wholesale telecommunications market by consolidating agreements with virtual mobile network operators (MVNOs) and expanding its fiber optic footprint across the country. The latest move involves the addition of Vera, a regional Catalan operator headquartered in Gurb (Barcelona), which will now use Vodafone’s mobile coverage and contribute a FTTH (fiber to the home) network that reaches 500,000 homes in more than 200 municipalities.
A new agreement benefiting both sides
The agreement offers a dual advantage:
- For Vodafone, it expands its fiber optic commercial coverage and strengthens its mobile backhaul network thanks to the dark fiber Vera has deployed at 65 mobile sites, a result of its participation in 5G Backhaul aid projects.
- For Vera, it allows the company to offer mobile services under Vodafone’s network, with better wholesale conditions and increased control over service management as a full MVNO.
Until now, Vera operated with Movistar’s mobile coverage through the Aire Networks enabler, but the new agreement with Vodafone marks a strategic change, aligned with its growth in the Catalan market.
Vera: a regional operator on the rise
Although little known outside Catalonia, Vera has grown with a proximity model that combines 10 Gbps XGS-PON fiber optic lines and converged services for businesses and homes. With 4,000 kilometers of deployed fiber, the company has managed to connect rural and semi-urban areas, improving connectivity in regions where major operators still don’t reach.
Thanks to its own network and interconnection agreements, Vera has become a significant player within the regional ecosystem, and its jump to Vodafone’s mobile coverage will allow it to compete on equal footing with the big operators in integrated telecom services.
Vodafone accelerates its wholesale collaboration model
Vera’s move comes at a time when Vodafone is looking to maximize its wholesale revenue through agreements with MVNOs and regional operators. In recent months, the company has managed to “snap up” two full operators from Aire Networks: first Silbö, and now Vera.
Both moves reinforce Vodafone’s position as a competitive partner in the wholesale market against coverage from Movistar and Orange. Industry sources say the operator offers better economic conditions and a more flexible technical environment, including access to its 4G and 5G networks and client-specific management tools.
Additionally, Vodafone continues migrating its coaxial cable network towards FTTH technology, relying on other operators’ networks and the new “fiberco” initiatives created with MásOrange and Telefónica. Vera’s network will add half a million homes to Vodafone’s fiber footprint, a key asset to boost competitiveness against market leaders.
Context: the importance of the wholesale model in Vodafone’s new strategy
In a landscape marked by sector consolidation (following the Orange and MásMóvil merger and Telefónica’s fiberco agreements), Vodafone aims to maintain its relevance in Spain by focusing on wholesale business and regional synergies.
This new approach allows it to monetize its mobile network and 5G infrastructure by providing access to third-party operators, while reducing costs associated with deploying its own fiber. This more open and collaborative strategy aligns with Vodafone’s transformation process following its sale to Zegona and its focus on efficiency and technological integration.
Impacts on the market
- For Vodafone: it extends its FTTH footprint, improves its wholesale positioning, and adds stable revenue streams amid intense competition.
- For Vera: access to Vodafone’s mobile network under favorable conditions, enabling it to offer more competitive convergent services in Catalonia.
- For users: a broader range of plans and services in areas where competition was previously limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vera and what kind of network do they operate?
Vera is a Catalan operator based in Gurb (Barcelona), with over 4,000 km of fiber and coverage in 500,000 homes. It operates with XGS-PON technology up to 10 Gbps and also manages connectivity in 5G mobile sites.
What changes with this Vodafone and Vera agreement?
Vera ceases to use Movistar’s mobile network (via Aire Networks) and shifts to Vodafone’s mobile coverage, with access to its 4G and 5G networks. Additionally, Vodafone will be able to market its plans on Vera’s fiber network.
Why is Vodafone attracting more MVNOs to its network?
Vodafone seeks to increase wholesale revenues and optimize its infrastructure by offering more attractive economic conditions and greater management capacity for MVNOs.
What benefits does Vodafone gain from the Vera deal?
It gains access to half a million additional FTTH homes, strengthens its mobile backhaul, and expands its presence in Catalonia, a market with rapidly growing regional competition.
🔴 In summary, with Vera’s move, Vodafone takes another step forward in its wholesale strategy, solidifying its role as a key player in network interconnection and regional connectivity promotion in Spain.
via: Banda Ancha