Nokia And Stc Group Achieve 1Tbps Data Connectivity Milestone In Middle East

In a groundbreaking development for digital connectivity in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Nokia and stc Group have completed the region's first 1Tbps (terabit-per-second) long haul field trial.

This significant achievement used stc Group's operational Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) terrestrial network, showcasing the advanced capabilities of Nokia's Photonic Service Engine (PSE-6s) technology. This technology is a game-changer, offering scalable, high-capacity, and efficient solutions for data center connectivity.

This field trial marks a notable advancement towards enhancing digital infrastructure within the MEA region, specifically aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 for digital transformation. By successfully transmitting data at speeds of 1Tbps over a single wavelength across 850km, Nokia and stc Group have demonstrated the capability to handle massive data volumes efficiently.

This trial transported 6 x 100GE and 1 x 400GE high-speed services, highlighting the seamless integration and reliability of Nokia's Data Center Interconnect (DCI) DWDM solution within stc Group's data center environments.

The collaboration between Nokia and stc Group is setting new standards for data connectivity and network infrastructure, crucial for Saudi Arabia's ongoing digital transformation efforts. This partnership aims to strengthen the kingdom's digital landscape by improving 5G coverage, fostering cloud computing adoption, and supporting the wide array of objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.

Abdullateef Alsenan, Infrastructure Design GM at stc Group, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "stc Group's partnership with Nokia demonstrates our advancements in building a future-ready network. This milestone reflects our ability to securely support massive traffic volumes, addressing the demands of cloud services and AI applications, ultimately supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives. These infrastructure advancements are positioning the kingdom as a global leader in digital innovation and sustainability."

Echoing the sentiment, Carlo Corti, Head of Optical Networks, Middle East and Africa at Nokia, shared, "By pushing the boundaries of optical technology, Nokia is committed to trusted performance and proud to partner with stc Group in achieving this record-breaking milestone. Our Data Center Interconnect solution provides scalable, energy-efficient, resilient, and secure infrastructure to support Saudi Arabia's ambitious digital transformation journey."

This partnership between stc Group and Nokia not only showcases their commitment to innovative technology but also underlines their role in supporting the kingdom's ambitious digital transformation projects. By significantly enhancing the capacity and efficiency of data transmission over long distances, they are paving the way for a future where rapid and reliable connectivity is the norm. This initiative is a critical step towards meeting the growing demands of the digital economy, ensuring that the region remains competitive on the global stage.