Open Fiber, in partnership with Nokia, has become the first operator in Italy and Europe to test ultra-fast 100 Gbps fiber optic connections, setting a new benchmark in the telecommunications industry. This breakthrough marks a significant step toward creating a more powerful, scalable, and flexible network designed to meet the growing demands of the digital market.
As the first wholesale-only operator in Europe, Open Fiber’s Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) infrastructure now covers over 14 million homes across Italy, with plans for further expansion. This ambitious initiative, powered by Nokia’s next-generation Passive Optical Network (PON) technology, paves the way for more advanced solutions for businesses, consumers, and telecom providers.
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PON Coexistence and Sustainable Infrastructure
The ongoing experiment, conducted over Open Fiber’s existing 10 Gbps fiber network, demonstrates how multiple PON technologies can coexist on the same infrastructure, enhancing network capacity without requiring structural upgrades. The 100 Gbps trial focused on real-world applications such as cloud computing, ultra-high-performance business connections, and industrial and healthcare solutions—all of which demand high speed, low latency, and reliable data transmission.
The collaboration with Nokia, a leader in network infrastructure, has brought critical technologies like the Lightspan MF platform and Altiplano controller into the mix. These tools enable Open Fiber to automate network management and dynamically scale its capacity in response to market needs, ensuring the infrastructure remains sustainable and ready for future digital challenges. While the test is still in its early stages, it demonstrates the potential of fiber networks to support the next generation of applications, from 5G and 6G networks to edge data centers and more.
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Industry Outlook
Nicola Grassi, Director of Technology at Open Fiber, expressed pride in the progress made during the trial, highlighting that, “The speeds we’ve achieved, and the flexibility of Nokia’s solutions, open up a world of possibilities for industries like healthcare, education, and manufacturing, while also supporting the future evolution of mobile networks and cloud services. This experiment underscores our commitment to building a future-proof network that will drive innovation and create societal value.”
Matthew Bourguignon, Senior Vice President and Head of Europe for Nokia’s Network Infrastructure Business, emphasized that, “Consumers and businesses alike are looking for faster, more reliable, and sustainable internet solutions. This successful test with Open Fiber showcases the immense potential of fiber networks. By leveraging Nokia’s innovative technologies, operators can expand their network capacity, meet diverse customer needs, and unlock new revenue streams.”
While the 100 Gbps experiment is still a proof-of-concept and does not yet have immediate practical implications for end-users, it represents a key milestone in the ongoing evolution of digital infrastructure. With this trial, Open Fiber positions itself at the forefront of Italy’s digital future, ensuring the network is prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow’s technologies.
