Fiber networks, the foundation of our future digital society

Passive optical networks (PON) are widely deployed today to deliver internet connectivity to consumers and businesses using fiber-optic technology. Most of these deployments are based on Gigabit PON (GPON) technology, while 10 Gigabit PON (also known as XGS-PON) is gradually emerging. 25 Gigabit PON is the latest generation of PON technology, boosting both download and upload speeds on fiber networks to unprecedented levels, around 200 times faster than the most advanced broadband networks 10 years ago.

Yet today's first live activation of a 25G PON network is not only big news for technology geeks worldwide. As shifting consumption patterns and innovative digital services trigger an explosion of the demand for bandwidth, fiber networks are a driving force for today's economy. Fiber is the unrivalled future-proof fixed network technology, combining virtually unlimited capacity with an ability to deliver massive broadband speeds in the most energy-efficient way possible. The world premiere presented by Proximus and Nokia today thus marks an important step in making networks ever more performant in terms of speed, capacity and latency, and therefore able to fuel the transition to a truly digital society.

A network that will last for generations, driven by continuous innovation of two technological frontrunners

25G PON technology shows the virtually unlimited capacity of fiber, of which only a fraction is exploited today. It is the product of a long-standing partnership between Proximus and Nokia, a historical collaboration of around 20 years built on trust and a continuous drive to innovate. This extensive common trajectory of co-development and innovation has turned Proximus and Nokia into global trendsetters in Fixed Access Networks.

At the same time, the event puts Antwerp at the heart of worldwide technological innovation. The headquarters of Fixed Access Nokia, based in Antwerp, played a key role in the development of broadband technology, with the design of game-changing DSL solutions as well as the Quillion chipset on which the core capabilities of next-generation fiber networks such as 25G PON are relying.

Further pushing the boundaries of technology will be essential to enable the emergence of new innovative services. While Proximus is the first operator worldwide to show 25Gbps capabilities on a live network, the capacity and performance will continue to increase in the future, with symmetrical speeds (25 Gbps for both download and upload) within reach as of 2022. As a result, Proximus' fiber network is ready to integrate any new service in the decade to come, with the ability to house several operators, in line with Proximus' ambition to deploy open networks accessible for all.

Proximus' ambition for Antwerp: fully cover the city and its districts

Whereas Proximus continues to innovate to be at the forefront of technology, it also aims to bring the benefits of next-generation networks to as many Belgians as possible. Last year, Proximus announced a significant expansion and acceleration of its open fiber network roll-out, partnering with EQT Infrastructure in Flanders (through the joint venture Fiberklaar) and Eurofiber in Wallonia (subject to the approval of the competent authorities). While already 533,000 homes and businesses have fiber technology at their doorstep today, the ambition is to connect 4.2 million homes and businesses to fiber by 2028. This represents a coverage of 70% of the Belgian population. At its cruising speed, Proximus will cover 10% of the country per year with fiber.

In Antwerp, Proximus started deploying fiber back in 2017, when the first inhabitants of certain areas in Deurne were connected to the new network. Today, with over 80,000 homes and businesses passed, around one out of four citizens, can already be connected to the ultimate fixed network. A significant acceleration of the roll-out will take place between 2021 and 2023, aiming to fully cover the city and its districts . This is done in close consultation with the local authorities to ensure the works are carried out in the most efficient way possible. Proximus ensures clear and transparent communication towards local residents, by means of letters, local information sessions, a mobile info point as well as a dedicated phone number and web page.

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Proximus SA published this content on 25 May 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 26 May 2021 13:06:07 UTC.