As noted above, the RAN will often be the last area of the network where mobile operators introduce virtualization. Among the first, for many, is the evolved packet core (EPC), and a string of MNOs were talking up their vEPC trials in Barcelona last week. Vodafone has been using a vEPC from Affirmed Networks – also part of AT&T’s Domain 2.0 inner circle of suppliers – to support live machine-to-machine and connected car traffic, in Germany, Brazil, Spain and the US. Scott Petty, director of group enterprise technology at the carrier, said: “We are committed to optimizing all facets of our business, including our network infrastructure. After reviewing both legacy and emerging architectures, we decided for our EPC platforms that…