Amazon Web Services (AWS) expanded general availability of its multi-access edge computing (MEC)-focused Wavelength platform to a second location in the United Kingdom, which is running on Vodafone’s 4G LTE and 5G network.

The latest expansion places the Wavelength access point in Manchester. This follows on a previous launch with Vodafone in London last year.

The deployments support Vodafone customers that need access to low-latency services requiring a close physical connection to the edge of Vodafone’s network. This is typically latency of around 10 milliseconds each way and requires an end device to be within a shorter distance to a cloud or compute instance.

Analysts have noted that operators need to more rapidly push out their edge deployments in order to better monetize their 5G network investments.

“To access this opportunity, telcos must look to accelerate their usage of distributed compute (utilizing geographically distributed resources to perform compute and storage functions) resources to support network deployment and service delivery by improving customizability, accessibility, and programmability,” Reece Hayden, distributed and edge compute analyst at ABI Research, wrote in a recent report. “This will enable telcos to deploy applications and services that solve enterprise problems and attract the real value in the market.”

Vodafone last year said it plans to expand its Wavelength installations to other U.K. regions, including Scotland.

AWS’ Wavelength deployments include compute and storage services deployed at carrier edge locations and are targeted at allowing the deployment of low-latency services. It works alongside the hyperscaler's Local Zones, which are an extension of its different cloud regions, and its Outposts platform that brings native AWS services, infrastructure, and operating models to a data center, co-location space, or on-premises facility.

AWS initially announced its Wavelength service at annual re:Invent show in 2019. This was tied to a deal with Verizon as the first telecom operator to use the service, which it has expanded to nearly 20 locations across the U.S. The carrier has said 75% of the U.S. population is now within 150 miles of its Wavelength Zones.

AWS currently counts Wavelength customers in the United States, the United Kingdom Germany, South Korea, Japan, and Canada. It also has deals with Bell Canada, SK Telecom, and Dish Network.