
Nokia and ACES-NH deploy 25G PON-based neutral host fiber network to enhance broadband connectivity across Saudi Arabia #MWC25
ACES-NH first to deploy a 25G PON-based neutral host fiber network in Saudi Arabia, providing service providers across the region with access to high-speed connectivity to operators, residential, enterprise and SMEs users.
Nokia's Altiplano network automation solution will enable ACES-NH to streamline operations, lower costs and enhance internet service delivery.
Nokia is the only vendor that supports all next-generation PON options, including 10G, 25G, 50G, and future 100G PON technologies.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Nokia today announced that ACES-NH successfully deployed Saudi Arabia's first-ever 25G PON-based neutral host network, marking a significant milestone in the country's fiber evolution. Built on Nokia's fiber technology, the new network enables multiple service providers to leverage a unified infrastructure, minimizing redundancy and driving enhanced connectivity to bolster Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
The neutral host model allows multiple service providers to share a high-performance fiber broadband network, improving efficiency and reducing infrastructure duplication. As the leading supplier of 25G PON technology, Nokia equips ACES-NH with a future-ready fiber platform, supporting evolving use cases — from residential broadband and enterprise connectivity to smart city services and industrial applications.
ACES-NH' open access network, powered by Nokia's Altiplano Access Controller, leverages automation to streamline operations. The initial deployment comprises Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), laying the groundwork for future nationwide expansion and extended use cases for enterprises.
Based on the Quillion chipset, Nokia's 25G PON fiber broadband solution enables ACES-NH to deliver high-speed data and low latency for next-generation applications. This advancement ensures that businesses, small and medium enterprises, and consumers can enjoy seamless connectivity for cloud gaming, enterprise networking, and next-generation digital experiences.
'Together with Nokia, we are proud to deliver Saudi Arabia's first 25G PON-based neutral host network. This deployment transforms fiber connectivity in the Kingdom, giving multiple service providers secure, high-speed access over a shared infrastructure and reinforcing ACES-NH' leadership in neutral host solutions.' said Dr. Luai Hasnawi, Chief of Fixed Network at ACES-NH.
'This milestone marks a major shift toward 'Fiber for Everything'. With 25G PON, infrastructure providers like ACES-NH can address residential, enterprise, and mobile transport needs on a single network, reducing costs and accelerating digital innovation across Saudi Arabia,' added Kamal Ballout, Head of Middle East and Africa Enterprise and Partners, Network Infrastructure at Nokia.
-Ends-
About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.
As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.
With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.
Media inquiries
Nokia Middle East & Africa Communications
Email: cordia.so@nokia.com
Nokia Press Office
Email: Press.Services@nokia.com
Follow us on social media
LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Arabian Post
Bechtel Secures Major Role in Riyadh's Airport Expansion
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Bechtel Corporation has been appointed as the delivery partner for three new terminals at King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, marking a significant advancement in one of the world's most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects. The agreement, formalised during a high-profile visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia, entrusts the U.S.-based engineering firm with managing the development of a terminal for commercial airlines, Terminal 6 for low-cost carriers, and a private aviation terminal complete with hangars. This collaboration underscores the strengthening infrastructure ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia. ADVERTISEMENT KSIA is poised to become the world's largest airport upon completion, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the nation's economy and enhancing global connectivity. The airport is designed to handle an anticipated capacity of 185 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2050. It will feature six parallel runways and encompass an area of 57 square kilometres, integrating advanced sustainable practices to achieve LEED Platinum certification across all terminals. Darren Mort, President of Bechtel's Infrastructure Business, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, 'The King Salman International Airport is a landmark project that will reshape Riyadh and enhance the lives and communities it serves.' He highlighted Bechtel's extensive experience in delivering complex airport projects globally, including Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Dubai International Airport in the UAE, and London City Airport in the UK. Marco Mejia, Acting CEO of the King Salman International Airport Development Company, emphasized the project's commitment to innovation and sustainability. He noted that the selection of Bechtel as the delivery partner reflects the project's dedication to elevating aviation infrastructure standards through collaboration with a company possessing over 120 years of global experience. The new terminals are expected to replace existing facilities at King Khalid International Airport, enhancing Riyadh's status as a global hub for transportation, tourism, and trade. The development aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader goals of economic diversification and infrastructure modernization. Bechtel's role in the KSIA project builds upon its longstanding presence in Saudi Arabia, where it has completed over 300 projects, including the recently inaugurated Riyadh Metro. The company's involvement in KSIA signifies a continued commitment to supporting the kingdom's transformative infrastructure initiatives.


Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Qatar's economic diversification spurs influx of high-tech, sustainability
Doha - Qatar's ambitious push toward economic diversification under its National Vision 2030 is rapidly transforming the country into a magnet for global consulting firms specialising in technology, sustainability, and governance. As the nation accelerates its investments in digital infrastructure, ESG compliance, and private sector development, a new wave of consulting expertise is entering the market bringing with it cutting-edge AI platforms, deep sectoral knowledge, and a strong focus on building local talent and institutional capacity, an official explains. This growing influx signals both confidence in Qatar's reform agenda and the rising demand for agile, innovation-driven advisory support across sectors. Global consulting firms continue to play a key role by placing Qatar at the center of its ambitious plan to scale revenues from $24m to $100m in just two years. Speaking to The Peninsula, Jamil Khatri, Co-Founder and CEO of Uniqus Consulting said 'We are already on track for revenues of $50m this year. Qatar is critical to our $100m roadmap. We bring a highly differentiated approach — from deep expertise and global integration to a proprietary tech stack that sets us apart in the consulting landscape.' The official underlines that there is a strong synergy with Qatar's ambitious development goals, particularly as the nation advances its strategy toward economic diversification, digital transformation, and global competitiveness. 'Qatar's Vision 2030 outlines a bold digital and economic transformation agenda, and believe it is well-positioned to contribute through our proprietary tech platforms, AI investments, ESG capabilities, and global expertise around risk management, he said. 'The Qatari vision of being in the top echelons of the business environment and digital competitiveness aligns well with our service offerings, Khatri said. To ensure cultural relevance and impactful execution, companies are leaning on local partnerships and targeted talent strategies. A key example is its collaboration with the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) in the field of sustainability and ESG — a partnership the firm aims to deepen through its Qatar operations. 'We have already identified a local leader with a deep understanding of the market, to lead our operations in Qatar,' Khatri noted. 'We're committed to recruiting and nurturing local talent while leveraging Uniqus' global skills to build awareness and capability in the Qatari market.' 'The GCC is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by diversification, infrastructure, digital reform, and governance. Qatar, in particular, stands out as a beacon of this shift. As companies in the region move forward on this journey, the demand for agile, tech-enabled consulting will only intensify and that is a significant growth driver, he added. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Fintech News ME
2 days ago
- Fintech News ME
Saudi Digital Bank D360 Eyes Series A in 2025, Targets Global Investors
Saudi Arabia's digital bank D360, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is in preliminary discussions with potential global investors as it prepares for a Series A funding round slated for the second half of 2025. The Shariah-compliant bank, which began operations in December, aims to complete the fundraising in the first quarter of 2026, according to Chief Executive Officer Eze Szafir in an interview with Bloomberg. This follows D360's successful raising of approximately US$500 million from existing shareholders, including the PIF and Derayah Financial Co. Szafir did not specify the size of the upcoming round but said the funds would support efforts to expand services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in line with Saudi Arabia's economic diversification objectives under Vision 2030. 'We're looking for new investors in the international landscape, most probably from Europe or the US, with the same quality we have here with the PIF and Derayah,' Szafir told Bloomberg. The bank also plans to launch comprehensive lending services for individuals and SMEs later this year. To prepare for the funding round, D360 has appointed former JPMorgan Chase & Co. banker Mohammed Nazer as Chief Financial Officer to oversee the process. Nazer said the bank expects to appoint advisers to manage the Series A round by the end of July. D360 is among the first institutions to receive a digital banking licence in Saudi Arabia and currently serves over 1 million users. It is targeting 4 million account holders ahead of a potential public listing within the next four years. By leveraging data-driven strategies and modern technologies, the bank aims to support the development of Saudi Arabia's digital financial infrastructure in alignment with Vision 2030. The move comes as the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), continues to update regulatory frameworks to facilitate digital transformation in the financial sector. SAMA has prioritised innovation and financial inclusion by licensing new digital banking players as part of efforts to modernise the Kingdom's banking system and bolster financial resilience. This regulatory push has contributed to electronic payments accounting for 79% of all retail transactions in Saudi Arabia in 2024, up from 70% in 2023, according to SAMA. The central bank also reported that non-cash retail transactions totalled 12.6 billion in 2024, compared with 10.8 billion the year before, reflecting ongoing growth and adoption of digital payments nationwide.