Orange Belgium Unifies Networks with Nokia’s 400G-Ready Transport

Orange Belgium is unifying its entire fixed and mobile network infrastructure with Nokia’s 1830 PSS platform, establishing a single converged optical transport network across Belgium. The multi-year project aims to modernize operations and deliver a more resilient, scalable network capable of supporting increasing bandwidth demands from services like artificial intelligence, video streaming, and cloud computing. Nokia’s AI-powered WaveSuite automation platform will be central to streamlining network management and accelerating the rollout of new offerings for Orange Belgium’s customers. “As 5G, artificial intelligence and quantum safe security are defining forces in how people, businesses and machines connect, Orange Belgium is committed to building a network that not only meets the evolving demands of our customers but also strengthens Belgium’s wider digital economy,” says Philippe Toussaint, CTO at Orange Belgium.

Nokia’s 1830 PSS Platform Unifies Orange Belgium’s Optical Networks

Nokia’s 1830 PSS platform now serves as the foundational backbone for Orange Belgium’s entirely converged network, extending connectivity across Belgium and signaling a substantial modernization of the operator’s infrastructure. This multi-year project consolidates both fixed and mobile transport infrastructure into a unified optical network, a strategic move designed to bolster resilience and security, streamline operations, and accelerate the delivery of advanced services to consumers and businesses. The deployment supports growing bandwidth demand fueled by applications ranging from machine learning and remote work to video streaming, gaming, and cloud services, ensuring Orange Belgium can meet evolving customer needs. This represents the first deployment of Nokia’s high capacity 1830 PSS platform within any Orange affiliate for core optical transport, highlighting the significance of this partnership.

The modernized network will handle traffic from customer equipment through both metro access and backbone infrastructure, supporting service speeds from 1 gigabit to 400 gigabits and beyond, demonstrating a commitment to future-proofing the network against escalating data demands. Central to this transformation is Nokia’s AI-powered WaveSuite automation platform, which will enable Orange Belgium to improve operational efficiency and accelerate time-to-market for new services. This project leverages several key Nokia technologies, including end-to-end synchronization management with an existing Nokia RAN base, enhanced resiliency through a GMPLS control plane, and the implementation of high-capacity thin transponders based on the 1830 PSS platform.

According to Guil Yazdi, VP, Client Executive, Orange at Nokia, “This collaboration with Orange Belgium is a significant project for Nokia.” He added that as artificial intelligence becomes a defining workload of the digital economy, networks can no longer rely on linear growth or legacy architectures. By delivering these optical networking solutions, Nokia aims to help Orange Belgium establish a resilient, AI-ready connectivity platform capable of supporting innovation and superior customer experiences for years to come.

WaveSuite Automation Enhances Resiliency and Service Delivery for Orange Belgium

Orange Belgium’s network modernization extends beyond increasing bandwidth; the operator is actively preparing for the demands of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum-resistant security protocols, necessitating a fundamental shift in network management practices. Traditional network architectures struggle to adapt to the dynamic requirements of artificial intelligence workloads, prompting a move toward automation and intelligent control systems. Nokia’s WaveSuite platform addresses this challenge by providing a centralized system for streamlining operations and accelerating the introduction of new services, a critical capability in a rapidly evolving digital environment. This is about reducing the time it takes to deploy innovative offerings and respond to changing customer needs, and is directly linked to Orange Belgium’s goal of simplifying network operations through the unification of its fixed and mobile infrastructure.

By converging these previously separate networks into a single optical transport network spanning Belgium, the company aims to reduce complexity and improve resource allocation. This platform, coupled with WaveSuite’s automation capabilities, allows for end-to-end synchronization management and a resilient GMPLS control plane, ensuring reliable connectivity for advanced services. This automated approach extends beyond operational efficiency, directly impacting Orange Belgium’s ability to innovate and deliver superior customer experiences.