Nokia & stc Group Achieve 1Tbps Data Centre Connectivity Record

Nokia and stc Group have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by completing the first-ever 1Tbps long-haul field trial in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This trailblazing experiment utilized stc Group’s live Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) terrestrial network, showcasing the capabilities of Nokia’s sixth-generation super-coherent Photonic Service Engine (PSE-6s) technology. The trial underscores the potential for delivering high-capacity, scalable, and efficient connectivity solutions for data centres.

Revolutionizing Data Transmission with Enhanced Capacity

The collaboration between stc Group and Nokia promises to revolutionize data transmission by dramatically boosting the capacity of digital networks. This enhancement enables faster, more efficient data transfer over long distances. With this cutting-edge optical infrastructure, stc Group is poised to meet the growing demands of the market while contributing to the realization of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation objectives.

Seamless Integration and High-Speed Connectivity

During the trial, the system successfully transmitted 6 x 100GE and 1 x 400GE high-speed services over a single 1Tbps wavelength across 850 kilometres. This achievement highlights the reliability and smooth integration of Nokia’s Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) DWDM solution within stc Group’s data centre environments. The solution is designed to optimize energy efficiency while meeting the dynamic demands of AI and cloud services transport, thereby enhancing network performance for consumers across the Kingdom.

Setting New Standards for Data Center Connectivity

This collaboration between Nokia and stc Group sets a new benchmark for data centre interconnectivity in the MEA region. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation goals, which include enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure, expanding 5G coverage, and fostering the adoption of cloud computing. By laying the foundation for future-ready network infrastructure, this partnership supports the country’s Vision 2030 objectives and positions stc Group as a leader in the region’s digital evolution.

Abdullateef Alsenan, Infrastructure Design GM at stc Group, said: “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.”

Carlo Corti, Head of Optical Networks, Middle East and Africa at Nokia, said: “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.”