Tesco Switches To Verizon For Its Global Network

Supermarket giant Tesco is migrating to a single global network infrastructure from Verizon, to connect with suppliers, partners, customers and employees.

The new network will link these groups in the 12 countries where Tesco currently operates, cutting costs and supporting new projects such as providing in-store customer Wi-Fi.

Going worldwide

“Verizon has the scope and expertise to help us deliver on our vision wherever we are around the globe,” Mike McNamara, Tesco’s chief information officer, said of the deal. “Whether in our stores, online, or on the move, we need our infrastructure to support our business goals. Verizon combines technology innovation with pragmatic application to help us build solutions for today, and platforms to support the future of retail. We are looking forward to delivering the results of this collaboration to our stakeholders around the globe.”

The move is part of Tesco’s continuing efforts to establish itself as a global company, as Verizon, which is most well-known for its US network presence, works in more than 150 countries worldwide offering business solutions. Tesco will be looking for the new partnership to improve connectivity across a range of areas, from customers using the company’s online shopping and its prototype “virtual stores”, to connecting producers and suppliers to new markets both at home and abroad.

The move may also offer connectivity benefits for users of Tesco’s Hudl tablets, which were one of the surprise hits of the holiday period, and users on the Tesco Mobile network, which recently announced low-cost 4G price plans. Tomas Kadlec, group infrastructure IT director at Tesco Stores, said: “Verizon is helping us to consolidate, centralize and converge our infrastructure across the world. This marks a step change for Tesco in terms of both security and managed networked services. The cut-over to the Verizon network has gone exceptionally well, accordingly to plan and within the agreed framework.”