VodafoneZiggo Taps Hirschmann to Expand GigaNet Across Netherlands

VodafoneZiggo is adding fibre-optic networks when connecting newly developed residential areas to GigaNet©. The largest provider of TV and internet services in the Netherlands has selected Hirschmann Provider Products to be its partner for active devices.

Dick Kroon, CEO of Hirschmann Multimedia B.V., says, ‘We are proud that Hirschmann will deliver the required networking hardware and we look forward to a successful collaboration.’

In recent years, a very large part of VodafoneZiggo’s cable network (with 3.4 million broadband customers) has consisted of fibre-optic cables – especially when it comes to the part of the infrastructure that connects the core network to residential areas. Only the last part of the cable infrastructure, from street cabinets to living rooms, is provided with coax cables. Recently, VodafoneZiggo opted to change this last part of the infrastructure to fibre-optic cables as well. VodafoneZiggo uses the same method it applied in recent years to connect buildings to its fibre-optic network for the business market.

Ziggo, a part of the VodafoneZiggo joint venture, only establishes fibre-optic infrastructure for houses where it has already been decided that roads will be dug open. This primarily applies to larger newly developed projects.

‘We pursue a hybrid network strategy and this enables us to be the most flexible and innovative player in the market,’ explains Leo-Geert van den Berg who is responsible for VodafoneZiggo’s cable network. ‘For each situation, we make a choice on a type of infrastructure. ‘If it concerns two new houses in an existing neighbourhood, the existing coax structure is most likely to be used. If a new neighbourhood that includes over a hundred houses is built on the edge of a city, then fibre-optic cables are the obvious choice. This offers more opportunities for the future.’

The first VodafoneZiggo fibre-optic connections

In Rotterdam, the first houses to benefit from this are already being provided with a fibre-optic cable connection. The first rollout has begun in the area around the Zalmhaven, and the first residences have been connected.

Dick Kroon, CEO of Hirschmann Multimedia B.V., says, ‘Following an intensive succession of tests and evaluations, the first network hardware has been delivered. In accordance with the latest RFoG technologies, these products are entirely transparent and able to automatically transition from the current DOCSIS 3.0 to making full use of the DOCSIS 3.1 standard. This means that VodafoneZiggo is able to deliver its GigaNet© anywhere and anytime, without making physical changes to its network or visiting the consumer's home. Additionally, some spare capacity is built in for future growth in the network.’

Later this year, projects in The Hague and Arnhem will follow the Rotterdam project. As of 2022, Ziggo will establish fibre-optic connections to thousands of houses.