MTN and Huawei Bring High-Speed 800G Optical Network to Nigeria in Landmark Infrastructure Upgrade
In a transformative step for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with Huawei, has successfully deployed the nation’s first hybrid 400G–800G Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON). This next-generation backbone upgrade marks a significant milestone in boosting Nigeria’s broadband capacity, speed, and network resilience.
Nigeria’s First Hybrid ASON Network Now Live
At the heart of the rollout is a dual-layered optical switching system (L0 + L1 ASON) implemented on MTN’s Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) backbone in Lagos. This is the first implementation of its kind in Nigeria, and it establishes a foundation for intelligent, scalable, and adaptive data transport. “This deployment underscores MTN’s commitment to building a future-ready, intelligent network infrastructure,” the company said in a statement.
Key Features of the 800G Network Upgrade
- 800G Single-Wavelength Optical Channel: Nigeria’s first, offering record-breaking long-haul fibre performance
- Hybrid ASON Technology: Enables smart routing and automated recovery for unmatched network resilience
- Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) Platforms: Streamlines operations and enhances service agility
- Next-Gen 400G/800G Backbone: Capable of supporting exponential data growth with ultra-high speed
What This Means for Users and the Digital Economy
With the deployment of Huawei’s advanced optical transport technology, Nigerian consumers and businesses can expect:
- Faster internet speeds
- More stable cloud computing and enterprise connectivity
- Improved mobile broadband experiences
- Reduced service disruptions through intelligent routing and failover mechanisms
The upgrade is designed to intelligently adapt to network conditions, bringing automated bandwidth optimisation and rapid recovery in case of disruptions, essential for mission-critical services and a data-intensive digital economy.
Supporting Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Goals
MTN notes that the new network infrastructure directly supports Nigeria’s national digital economy agenda, which includes goals for:
- Inclusive broadband access
- Reliable digital services
- Economic resilience through technology
By strengthening Nigeria’s core network, MTN and Huawei are helping bridge the digital divide and enable innovation across sectors like e-commerce, fintech, health tech, and education.
Africa’s Optical Future: Nigeria Leads the Charge
With this 800G network deployment, Nigeria joins a select group of countries globally pushing the boundaries of optical communications. It’s a bold statement that Africa’s digital transformation is no longer about catching up, but setting the pace for future-ready connectivity.
Conclusion
MTN and Huawei’s launch of Nigeria’s first hybrid 800G ASON network marks a major leap in digital infrastructure. With faster speeds, adaptive intelligence, and unmatched resilience, the deployment is not just an upgrade—it’s a blueprint for Africa’s next-generation internet backbone.
