Saudi Arabia and Huawei Achieve Record-Breaking Fiber Optic Data Transmission
In a historic leap for digital infrastructure, Saudi telecom giant stc, in strategic partnership with Huawei, has accomplished a pioneering breakthrough in global network technology. The two companies have successfully conducted a live trial achieving an unprecedented 2.4 terabits per second (Tbps) data transmission speed over operational fiber optic lines—setting a new global standard for ultra-high-speed connectivity.
A Landmark Milestone for Digital Transformation
This achievement firmly places Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the international race for digital transformation. It marks the first time any telecom operator worldwide has deployed this next-generation solution on an active fiber network, paving the way for unmatched network performance and scalability. The success not only elevates the Kingdom’s position as a global digital hub but also showcases its capability to support future-ready services for decades to come.
Inside the Technology: Huawei’s OptiX OSN 9800 K12 Platform
The trial was powered by Huawei’s advanced OptiX OSN 9800 K12 platform, enabling a staggering total capacity of 96 Tbps across a single fiber cable, with each port delivering speeds of 2.4 Tbps. This performance leap ensures the network can seamlessly handle surging data demands from cutting-edge applications, artificial intelligence workloads, and high-density cloud computing environments.
Beyond Speed: Strategic and Operational Advantages
While raw speed is impressive, the breakthrough also delivers critical operational and security benefits:
- Enhanced Cybersecurity: The system uses state-of-the-art encryption to safeguard sensitive government and financial data against cyber threats.
- Operational Efficiency: Smart provisioning allows services to go live within just 24 hours, while real-time performance monitoring ensures optimal uptime and reliability.
- Future-Ready Networks: The technology supports Level 4 self-healing networks, minimizing downtime and operational costs.
- Cloud Service Support: The system empowers cloud providers to dynamically adapt to sudden traffic spikes and reduces service deployment cycles by over 70%.
Global Implications of the Breakthrough
The collaboration between stc and Huawei is more than a technical feat—it sets a new benchmark for the global telecommunications industry. By combining high-speed transmission, advanced security, and unparalleled scalability, the project creates a model for how nations can prepare for the coming wave of hyper-connected services, from smart cities to autonomous industries.
Shaping the Future of Global Communications
This achievement cements Saudi Arabia’s role as a key player in shaping the future of global communications. By setting a new international performance standard, the Kingdom is not only meeting current demands but also proactively building the infrastructure for next-generation connectivity, ensuring that businesses, communities, and industries can thrive in the digital era.