Virgin Media's fiber network will provide backhaul services for the Three 5G infrastructure, covering more than 3,000 sites across the UK. The backhaul describes the physical connection between the base station and the operator's core network. In the 5G era, the fiber backhaul is essential if operators are to manage expected increases in mobile traffic and electrical services that require ultra-low latency. Running the right bandwidth removes bottlenecks and improves the customer experience. Virgin Media says its network will provide "nearly unlimited" bandwidth for Three 5G and that it will establish full fiber connections to busy sites in cities. Network densification will allow 5G to realize its potential and will require the deployment of small cells that can provide high speeds and capacity. This micro infrastructure will be based on fiber. Three uses a mix of link providers, including BT, CityFibre and SSE Enterprise Telecoms. The addition of Virgin Media to the mix is significant because it suggests a new democratization of a market traditionally dominated by BT. “We are building the high-capacity fiber optic backbone that will link mobile phone masts and cell sites across the country and power the future of 5G in the UK,” said Peter Kelly, CEO of Virgin Media Business. “With a strong network and skilled engineers already in place, our infrastructure will help mobile operators roll out their 5G network on a large scale. Virgin Media Business is fast becoming the link bastion for 5G deployment. " Last year, Virgin Media entered into an "extended wholesale agreement" with Vodafone and also provides feed-through services to other operators and resellers that directly supply mobile operators. Overall, Virgin Media claims to handle more than two-fifths of mobile data traffic and voice company in the UK This proportion will increase with Three's deal and could rise further if a joint venture with O2 materializes Earlier this week it was confirmed that Liberty Global and Telefónica, the parent companies of Virgin Media and O2 , were discussing a possible merger of their British assets.A deal would mean that only EE, which is owned by BT, would be out of Virgin Media's reach.