Wessex Internet partners with Nokia

Dorset-based ISP Wessex Internet has announced its new partnership with Nokia for network technology. Having successfully deployed Nokia’s 10Gbps XGS-PON technology, Wessex Internet will also be deploying DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) solution to upgrade the capacity of its core network.

Wessex Internet’s existing full fibre network across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire has traditionally been deployed using a Point-to-Point architecture. Roll out of the new XGS-PON infrastructure has already begun across its network, with customers in Sunrise Business Park, Blandford the first to be connected to the new network technology earlier this year.

The move to XGS-PON and roll out of Nokia’s DWDM solution will enable Wessex Internet to accelerate its roll out, reduce equipment and power requirements and ensure the network is future-proof as customers’ demand for high bandwidth services increases. The technology is being used in Wessex Internet’s full fibre roll outs in North Dorset and the New Forest, which are part of Project Gigabit, the UK government’s flagship £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband.

The Nokia XGS-PON solution allows Wessex Internet to deliver speeds up to 10Gbps to customers today and flexibly evolve to 25Gbps in future using the same fibre infrastructure. According to Dell’Oro, Nokia is the largest provider and market leader for XGS-PON globally. Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, said:

“Our partnership with Nokia is fantastic step forward for Wessex Internet which is already delivering improvements to the capacity and resilience of our network. But more importantly, this partnership gives us a clear technology roadmap which is future-proof. This ensures our network will deliver the speeds and reliability that our customers need for decades to come, fulfilling our mission to ensure that rural communities are not left behind as technology changes.”

Phil Siveter, UK&I CEO/CSO at Nokia, said:

“We are proud to partner with Wessex Internet to help bring high-quality 10Gbs broadband services to their residential and business customers. As demand for Gigabit and symmetrical services grows, next-generation fiber technologies like XGS-PON play a critical role in delivering and supporting the enhanced ultra-broadband services customers require today and in the future.”