(Telecompaper) Telefonica Global Resources, the Spanish operator's global business unit, has joined forces with NEC in Brazil to begin trials of vCPE (virtual customer premises equipment). The aim is to simplify the home equipment installation process as well as service operation and maintenance by virtualising and shifting functions from the equipment installed in the customer's home to Telefonica's network. The solution is based on a prototype developed by Telefonica I+D, with contributions and integration by NEC. The companies are conducting the field trials in Brazil with a view to having a solution ready for deployment by July 2014.