Open Fiber, in collaboration with Nokia, has successfully trialled fibre optic connection speeds reaching up to 100 Gbps, marking a first in Italy’s access networks.
In the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, we strive to stand out through innovation, surpassing current connectivity limits. With Nokia‘s support, we have recently achieved successful tests of fibre optic connection speeds reaching 100 Gbps on the FTTH (Fiber to the Home) access network. This remarkable achievement opens new horizons for the digital economy and future applications.
The challenge of record-breaking speeds: a new standard for the future
We have achieved a significant milestone: successfully testing fibre-optic connection speeds of up to 100 Gbps, a record for Italy’s access networks. An advanced platform has been developed to enable scalable connections from 10G to 100G on the same infrastructure, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Digital Signal Processing (DSP).
This achievement not only underscores the exceptional scalability and sustainability of Open Fiber’s FTTH network but also highlights the potential of fibre optics to deliver ultra-fast, reliable connections ready to meet the technological challenges of the future, including the rollout of 6G. New-generation Passive Optical Network (PON) technologies can seamlessly integrate with our existing infrastructure, significantly boosting network capacity. This allows us to offer even more innovative solutions for strategic sectors such as healthcare, industry, and education, supporting ultra-reliable, low-latency connections that are cloud-ready.
The infrastructure used in this trial, designed to be future-proof , demonstrated how the existing network can be upgraded without requiring structural interventions, while maintaining a focus on energy sustainability. Energy consumption per transmitted gigabit decreases substantially as network capacity increases.
This makes the solution not only technologically advanced but also ecologically efficient, aligning with the goals of sustainable digital transformation. This test marks a critical step toward creating an access network capable of supporting ever-growing data traffic for both residential and business use, with applications ranging from cloud computing and gaming, to augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
FTTH network at 100 Gbps: new frontiers and opportunities for Italy
The 100 Gbps access network is not just about increased speed; it represents an infrastructural breakthrough capable of supporting diverse access levels (1G, 10G, up to 100G) on a single fibre-optic infrastructure. This solution serves both public and private sectors, adapting to the varying needs of clients and services. The network also offers enhanced energy sustainability: efficiency improves with usage, significantly reducing energy consumption per transmitted gigabit.
For the private sector, such high-speed connections will unlock new possibilities for advanced digital experiences, including immersive gaming, the metaverse, high-quality video streaming, and virtual reality. Data traffic is expected to grow substantially, potentially increasing by 5 to 9 times over the next decade, driven by the proliferation of 5G and future 6G networks.
Artificial intelligence will be another growth catalyst. Applications like generative AI, AI assistants, AI-powered gaming, and AI-Extended Reality (XR) are poised to transform both residential and business usage. In the business domain, predictive maintenance, customer interaction tools, and video analytics will contribute to increased traffic. Moreover, AI algorithms will optimise multimedia content consumption, enhancing user engagement on streaming platforms, social media, and online marketplaces.
The widespread availability of these connections will largely depend on the demand for new digital services and the ability of companies like Open Fiber to anticipate technological trends. The rapid evolution from 1G to 10G connections (in less than a decade) suggests that new standards, such as 25G and 50G, could gain widespread adoption in just a few years. This underscores the importance of continuously monitoring data traffic growth to ensure the infrastructure meets future demands.
Our commitment to innovation and inclusivity on a national scale
At Open Fiber, we work every day to build a nationwide FTTH (Fiber to the Home) network with the goal of delivering ultra-fast connectivity across Italy. To date, our network is available to over 14 million properties. Through our collaboration with Nokia and the use of cutting-edge technologies, we provide scalable and tailored solutions designed to meet diverse needs—from managing high-traffic cloud applications to delivering advanced connectivity for businesses and industries requiring top-tier performance.
For us, this is about more than technological innovation. We aim to drive Italy’s digital transformation by creating an inclusive network that reaches everyone, regardless of geographical location.
Our goal is to build a modern and sustainable infrastructure capable of supporting the most advanced digital technologies and delivering tangible value to citizens, businesses, and institutions alike.
Connect your future with Open Fiber
The future of connectivity is here. Our FTTH fibre-optic network, designed to deliver unmatched speed, stability, and reliability, is already active across much of Italy. Discover whether your home, office, or business can benefit from our cutting-edge network. By visiting our website, you can easily check service availability and, with just a few simple steps, unlock the door to the digital future. Connect to our network today and experience how Open Fiber can transform the way you live and work. Check now to see if your address is covered by our fibre-optic network.
