Nokia & Baktelecom partner to launch gigabit services in Baku

Nokia has announced a new partnership with Baktelecom, the state-owned telecommunications operator of Azerbaijan, to deploy commercial XGS-PON services in the country. This collaboration aims to bring new gigabit services to both residential and business customers across Azerbaijan, beginning with the capital city of Baku.

The deployment of Nokia's multi-PON fibre broadband solution is set to revolutionise the connectivity infrastructure in Azerbaijan. The implementation commenced in March 2024 and primarily targets enhancing internet speeds and quality for homes and businesses. The technology allows for 10Gb/s broadband connections, promising significantly faster internet speeds compared to existing networks.

In addition to the XGS-PON technology, Baktelecom will also introduce Nokia's mesh Wi-Fi Beacons to ensure optimal WiFi coverage and performance throughout customers' homes. This deployment is expected to provide a more reliable and expansive internet service, which is imperative for modern-day digital activities and operations.

Tural Pirverdiyev, Acting CEO of Baktelecom, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We have always been committed to bringing the best technology to Azerbaijan to meet surging data demands. 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 fibre connectivity to wholesale broadband providers and, in turn, to residential and business customers."

Bjorn Capens, Vice-President of Network Infrastructure Europe, Fixed Networks at Nokia, echoed this sentiment. "As the market leader in XGS-PON, we are proud to partner with Baktelecom in Azerbaijan. 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 fibre network," Capens said.

The future-proof nature of Nokia’s technology is powered by the Quillion chipset. This innovation allows Nokia’s 25G PON solution to work alongside GPON and XGS-PON on the same fibre infrastructure. This capability empowers Baktelecom to use its existing fibre network to deliver true 10Gb/s services and beyond, thus ensuring scalability and flexibility for future upgrades.

The goal of this deployment is more than just enhancing internet speeds. It is part of a broader vision to improve the overall well-being of the population by providing high-speed connectivity for all. High-speed internet can foster better business operations, improve educational resources, and enhance day-to-day digital interactions, thus contributing to the country's digital ecosystem growth.

This strategic partnership aligns with Nokia's vision of creating technology that helps the world act together. By leveraging their expertise in mobile, fixed, and cloud networks, Nokia continues to pioneer networks that are both advanced and future-ready. The company's work with Baktelecom is expected to set a new benchmark for internet services in Azerbaijan.

Baktelecom, known for providing landline telephone communication, broadband internet, digital TV, and other advanced telecommunication services, is set to leverage this new technology to enhance its service offerings significantly. By adopting Nokia's cutting-edge solutions, Baktelecom aims to meet and exceed the growing data demands of its diverse customer base, including public and government administrations, businesses, and foreign entities within Azerbaijan.