Belgacom and Alcatel-Lucent begin activating world’s first nationwide VDSL2 vectoring network for a significantly better broadband customer experience
Belgacom customers in Mechelen can now experience broadband connection speeds of 70 Mbps over existing copper lines
Paris and Brussels, 19 February 2014 – Belgacom, Belgium’s largest telecommunications services provider (Brussels Stock Exchange: BELG), and Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) announced the activation of the world’s first nationwide VDSL2 vectoring network, delivering significantly higher speeds for a better broadband customer experience. This achievement is the result of a successful co-development partnership to further exploit the capabilities of DSL technology.
With the improved technology, Belgacom has boosted broadband connection speeds over traditional copper lines from 30 Mbps on VDSL2 to 70 Mbps on vectored VDSL2 lines. After testing with thousands of subscribers throughout 2013 Belgacom finalized the processes necessary to allow the smooth activation of vectoring for the first customers using a new generation modem, the B-BOX3.
Nationwide activation of the vectoring technology began in December 2013 with the town of Mechelen soon to be followed by Herstal, Laeken, Roeselaere and Mons. A next phase of towns will be activated from April 2014 onwards. By 2016, Belgacom will have completed the upgrade of its entire VDSL2 network consisting of 22,000 remote optical cabinets, making Belgium one of the best-connected countries in the world.
As the vectoring technology is deployed, Belgacom is preparing for a new era of enhanced digital services, with more non-linear and personalized TV services including TV Replay, personalized content, Video-on-Demand, high quality streaming, Teleworking services, Home monitoring, and evolution to Ultra HDTV (4K).
Key facts
- Belgacom and Alcatel-Lucent have been collaborating on VDSL2 vectoring since 2011 together with home gateway manufacturers Sagemcom and Technicolor, and the chipset developers Broadcom and Ikanos
- End of 2013, Belgacom had well over 1 million active VDSL2 Lines and a VDSL2 network covering 88,5% of the Belgian population.
- VDSL2 vectoring complements long-term fiber deployments by enabling service providers to use existing infrastructure to quickly and cost-effectively increase internet speeds to meet its retail and wholesale customers’ demands
- With Alcatel-Lucent executing The Shift Plan, the industrial strategy to reposition the company as a specialist vendor of IP Networking and Ultra-Broadband Access, VDSL2 vectoring is a key segment of the company’s portfolio of technologies enabling telecommunications operators to deliver superfast Internet access to households and enterprises alike
Quotes
Johan Luystermans, Vice President Network Engineering & Operations with Belgacom, said: “Today, Belgacom is living up to the commitment we made back in 2011 to make Belgium one of the world’s leading ultra-broadband nations, with millions of households connected to our fiber and VDSL2 vectoring network. As demonstrated for more than 15 years, Belgacom has continued to innovate as world pioneer in the development of new generation DSL. We take pride in paving the way of new technologies and are delighted to be the first telecommunications service provider in the world to activate VDSL2 vectoring on a nationwide network. Our partnership with Alcatel-Lucent has been key to achieving this.”
Federico Guillen, head of Alcatel-Lucent’s Fixed Networks business, said: “This milestone demonstrates beyond doubt that VDSL2 vectoring technology is ready and happening – millions of VDSL2 vectoring lines are being deployed to complement fiber roll-outs, significantly accelerating the availability of ultra-broadband services around the world. We’re proud to continue to be the VDSL2 vectoring pioneers together with Belgacom – bringing a new technology from announcement to deployment in less than two years is an amazing achievement.”
