Circet transforms VOO’s copper network into a hybrid fibre-coaxial network

Without an action plan, an ambition is but a dream. This is why Circet is taking charge of the GIGA project of VOO, our customer of many years. By 2024, we will have replaced the copper network with a complete fibre-coaxial infrastructure. Behind the scenes, the operational teams leave nothing to chance. Want to know how?

What is the project about?

In this race to digitalization, VOO has decided to thoroughly update its infrastructure. From a 100% copper network, the operator is moving to an HFC network. Three letters which stand for ‘Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial’, the ideal combination of a coaxial and fibre optic connection.

Unlike the copper network, the maximum speed on the coaxial network is not limited by the distance to the distribution point. “Speeds of up to 1 Gb/s can be reached by combining it with optical fibre. A major bonus for VOO end users.”

“VOO is a long-standing Circet customer. Thanks to this project, we cover 360 degrees of the operator’s demand.”

Lucas Dignef, Service delivery manager

Why is this a vital project for Circet?

In Brussels and Wallonia, VOO was still challenged by a number of black spots. “These areas are not yet covered by an efficient network. For VOO, it is of course a technical, but above all a competitive challenge. Thanks to our technological know-how, we support the customer in developing a modern, future-proof network,” emphasises Service Delivery Manager Lucas Dignef.

For Circet, it’s almost like coming full circle. “We have already powered VOO’s ‘Home Service delivery’ component for its residential customers and the network incident component. Today, we are carrying out this infrastructure project called ‘GIGA’. Proof that VOO can count on us for all these strategic aspects related to its network.”

What, exactly, is our role in this project?

In practice, this involves partially replacing the existing copper network with optical fibre. While ensuring continuity of service. “For the end customer, the improvement is huge. It’s possible to achieve much higher download speeds."

“The schedule is very tight and runs like clockwork. Our teams are doing everything they can to ensure connectivity within a day.”

For the Circet teams, each day of this project begins early in the morning and must end at 5 p.m. with a positive connectivity test. Every gesture, every hour and every minute counts. “Even if we have operations under control, we need to be able to handle the unexpected. I am fortunate enough to rely on a highly professional dream team.”

“A special mention goes to Field Coordinator Guelor Basieux, who takes on superhuman challenges. He will soon be supported by Fahim Boukhenfer. Without forgetting the eight GIGA fitters who are displaying boundless perseverance. Finally, we can count on the efficient support of Jessica Maes and Robin Feytons in the Back Office.”

What is the takeaway from this project?

For Lucas, the answer is straightforward. Team spirit is the key to success within these close-knit teams that stay the course. As if nothing was impossible. “Fun fact, I remember the first two days in operational mode. It was a bit like a first for the VOO teams and ours. I admit that the situation was a bit crazy given the distances to be covered between the storage and production sites, not to mention the coordination of the technical teams.

But we made it. And we were all proud to have worked togther without cutting corners. We are now in cruise control mode to achieve our objective of 11 completed nodes and 27,500 customers connected to the new network.”