Ekinops Partners with Proximus to Launch High-Speed Optical Network in Belgium

Ekinops and Proximus Join Forces for a High-Speed Optical Network in Belgium

In a significant development for telecommunications in Belgium, Ekinops, a prominent provider of optical networking solutions, has announced a groundbreaking framework agreement with Proximus, the leading Tier-1 telecom operator in Belgium. This partnership, which formalizes a long-term commitment, marks a transformative leap in the deployment of high-speed optical networks across the nation.

Details of the Agreement

The contract, spanning a decade, follows the preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in March and encompasses the deployment of a nationwide optical network named NEURON, which stands for Next Generation Enhanced Uniform Reliable Optical Network. Under this project, Ekinops will supply Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) based optical network equipment and services, affecting over 600 sites across Belgium.

This strategic move not only affirms Proximus's position in the telecom sector but also strengthens Ekinops’s reputation as a reliable technology vendor. Through the enhanced WDM platform, Proximus will be equipped to optimize traffic rates ranging from ultra-low to exceptionally high speeds, utilizing a chassis compatible with future capacities of up to 1.6 terabits per second (Tbps).

The framework agreement includes long-term commitments for evolving telecom infrastructure to support 800 gigabits per second (Gbps) optical capacity. Furthermore, Ekinops will supply an array of reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) essential for Proximus’s backbone and metro networks.

Innovations and Technological Advancements

The collaboration doesn’t stop at hardware; Ekinops is also providing its sophisticated network management solution, Celestis NMS, alongside relevant software and professional services. This is aimed at ensuring that Proximus can efficiently build and manage its cutting-edge optical network, enhancing service delivery to its customers.

Geert Standaert, Network Lead and Chief Technology Officer at Proximus, expressed confidence in Ekinops’s capabilities, stating, “We have been impressed by Ekinops’s laboratories and the quality of their responses. Their technical expertise played a critical role in our selection, and we believe they will support our network evolution robustly.” He emphasized the importance of having a long-lasting partnership with a trusted vendor who can adapt to the needs of the telecom market.

Future Outlook

Lionel Chmilewsky, CEO of Ekinops, conveyed the significance of this agreement, commenting, “This partnership not only highlights our strength in providing flexible and high-capacity optical networking solutions but also underscores the continual innovation and dedication of our teams.” He expressed gratitude for Proximus's trust in Ekinops’s European technologies and assured their commitment to the successful execution of the NEURON project.

The deployment plan includes both lab and field tests, with the initial network setups set to commence in the latter half of 2026, promising exciting advancements in Belgium’s telecom infrastructure.

Overall, this partnership between Ekinops and Proximus illustrates a forward-thinking approach that aims to enhance connectivity and elevate telecommunications services across Belgium, setting a standard for future collaborations in the sector.

For further information about Ekinops’s initiatives and offerings, visit their official website.