Proximus has launched its nationwide NEURON optical network modernization project, a strategic four-year initiative that will replace approximately 700 DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) network nodes across Belgium.
The Belgian telecom operator selected Ekinops to deploy a next-generation optical transport network capable of supporting rising demand from cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), streaming services, and future digital applications.
The project forms a key part of Proximus’ long-term network transformation strategy and strengthens the use of European technology in Belgium’s critical telecom infrastructure, Geert Standaert, Chief Technology Officer of Proximus, said.
The upgraded optical backbone will continue serving as the core transport network for voice, broadband, television, fiber (FTTH), copper, and 5G services used by residential customers, enterprises, and wholesale partners.
The new infrastructure is designed to support up to 96 optical wavelengths per fiber, with transmission speeds reaching 800 Gbps per wavelength. This delivers a total capacity of more than 25 Tbps per fiber pair, providing significantly greater bandwidth than traditional residential access networks.
Deployment will take place over four years, with most upgrades scheduled during nighttime maintenance windows to minimize customer disruption. Proximus has already begun laboratory testing, while field trials will follow before the first commercial deployment in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2026.
The modernization will substantially increase data transport capacity while improving network reliability, flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiency. The upgraded infrastructure will also enable more efficient utilization of existing fiber assets, allowing greater volumes of traffic to be transmitted without extensive new fiber construction.
In addition to boosting network performance, the NEURON project prepares Proximus for future technologies, including quantum-resistant encryption, enhancing the security of critical communications. Sustainability also played a major role in vendor selection, with strong emphasis on improving energy efficiency and reducing power consumption, supporting Proximus’ environmental goals.
Once completed, the new optical backbone will become a critical component of Belgium’s national digital infrastructure, enabling resilient, secure, and high-capacity connectivity for the country’s growing digital economy.