Nokia and stc successfully test network slicing over GPON

Details: John Tanner; Category: Optical & Fixed Networks; 14 May 2025; 4577 views

Nokia announced on Tuesday that Saudi Arabian telco stc group has successfully completed a proof-of-concept (PoC) for network slicing over a GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) infrastructure using its Altiplano Access Controller.

During the PoC, conducted at stc’s test lab in Riyadh, Stc used the access controller to create and manage multiple network slices within its existing GPON infrastructure, with each slice optimized for specific performance requirements such as bandwidth, latency, and reliability.

Stc said the slices were tailored to support services ranging from cloud gaming and enterprise connectivity to mobile backhaul, smart city solutions, and secure government operations.

Stc said it was able to use the Altiplano controller to dynamically allocate network resources, which accelerated service deployment, improved user experience, and optimised infrastructure efficiency.

Once deployed, the solution will help stc deliver advanced digital services faster and at scale, as well as unlock new revenue opportunities across the group’s wholesale, B2B and digital infrastructure initiatives, said Bader Allhieb, VP of Network Infrastructure at stc.

"This GPON slicing trial marks a significant step in transforming our network capabilities,” he said in a statement. “Nokia’s solution allows us to deliver tailored services with speed, precision, and scalability.”

The Altiplano Access Controller is a software solution for automating and controlling broadband access networks that integrates with multi-vendor equipment and supports multiple PON technologies through a single interface, explained Ibrahim Al-Abbas, head of stc Group Sales Unit for Network Infrastructure at Nokia.

"Altiplano empowers service providers to automate and optimize network management, resulting in faster service delivery, improved efficiency, and superior user experiences,” he said.