Nokia has announced that Baktelecom, Azerbaijan’s state-owned telecom operator, is deploying its XGS-PON solution to provide ultra-fast broadband services to residential and business customers across Azerbaijan.
The deployment began in March 2024, with the initial phase focusing on the capital city, Baku. This strategic move allows Baktelecom to deliver 10Gb/s broadband connectivity, significantly enhancing the digital infrastructure in the region.
Nokia’s XGS-PON Solution
XGS-PON (10 Gigabit Symmetric Passive Optical Network) is a next-generation fiber-optic technology that enables operators to offer symmetrical 10Gb/s speeds to homes and businesses. By deploying this solution, Baktelecom ensures its customers benefit from high-speed, low-latency connectivity, supporting modern digital applications such as 4K/8K video streaming, cloud computing, and enterprise networking.
A key advantage of Nokia’s XGS-PON technology is its compatibility with existing GPON networks, allowing seamless upgrades without requiring major infrastructure overhauls. Additionally, the XGS-PON solution is powered by Nokia’s advanced Quillion chipset, which provides superior performance and energy efficiency. This ensures that Baktelecom can meet increasing broadband demands while keeping operational costs under control.
Enhancing Customer Experience with Nokia’s Mesh Wi-Fi Beacons
In addition to deploying XGS-PON, Baktelecom will integrate Nokia’s mesh Wi-Fi Beacons to provide customers with optimal wireless connectivity throughout their homes and offices. These intelligent Wi-Fi solutions enhance coverage, reduce interference, and improve network performance, ensuring seamless and consistent internet access in every corner of a building.
Baktelecom’s Vision and Future Plans
Baktelecom’s deployment of Nokia’s XGS-PON aligns with its broader strategy to modernize Azerbaijan’s broadband infrastructure and bridge the digital divide. The company aims to position itself as a leading provider of next-generation fiber services, not only for direct customers but also for wholesale broadband providers.
“With Nokia’s XGS-PON, not only do we become a leading provider of these next-generation services in Azerbaijan, but we are also able to offer ultra-fast fiber connectivity to wholesale broadband providers and, in turn, to residential and business customers,” Tural Pirverdiyev, acting CEO of Baktelecom, said.
A Future-Proof Network with 25G PON Upgradability
One of the key benefits of Nokia’s XGS-PON deployment is its scalability. Nokia’s 25G PON solution, also powered by the Quillion chipset, allows seamless coexistence of GPON, XGS-PON, and 25G PON on the same fiber infrastructure. This ensures that Baktelecom’s network is future-proof, enabling easy upgrades to 25G PON when higher speeds are required.
“With our fixed networks solution, Baktelecom can quickly address its customers’ evolving broadband demands to deliver new services and applications that require a reliable, ultra-fast connection. Their network will also be future-proof, giving Baktelecom the flexibility to upgrade to 25G PON in the future using its existing fiber network,” Bjorn Capens, Vice-President, Network Infrastructure Europe, Fixed Networks at Nokia, said.
Conclusion
The deployment of Nokia’s XGS-PON technology marks a significant milestone in Azerbaijan’s broadband evolution. By adopting this advanced fiber-optic solution, Baktelecom is strengthening its position as a leading telecom provider, offering faster, more reliable internet services to both residential and business users. With a future-ready network, Baktelecom is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and support the country’s digital transformation initiatives.
