19 December 2023

MTN Group and NEC XON have successfully deployed Africa’s first 400G optical transponder solution - Phoenix. This has the potential to revolutionise the way optical networks are built and operated, transforming internet delivery across the continent.

Phoenix is part of the Telecom Infra Project’s (TIP) Open Optical and Packet Transport (OOPT) project group, a collaborative effort involving multiple telecom operators and technology providers. The solution has met TIP’s rigorous test requirements, earning it a Controlled Environment Silver Badge, indicative of its readiness for deployment.

“Disaggregation is the future of networking, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution,” said Anthony Laing, general manager of networking at NEC XON. “This technology is a game-changer. It drives down costs, enhances innovation, and allows our customers to make independent hardware and software choices, which is a significant advantage in today’s competitive telecom landscape.”

“We are thrilled to receive the Silver Badge recognition from TIP, acknowledging our commitment to promoting open and disaggregated solutions with the Phoenix optical transponder,” said Sou Satou, senior director of the network solutions business division at NEC Corporation. “Our dedication to TIP and the development of open products in the optical transport market remains a top priority for NEC.”

The deployment of Phoenix is designed to accelerate internet connectivity and optimise network operations, and aims to make affordable internet more widely available.