- stc group successfully completes Saudi Arabia’s first Proof of Concept (POC) for network slicing over GPON with Nokia’s Altiplano Access Controller.
- Once deployed, the solution will enable stc group to offer high-performance, SLA-backed services, allowing the network to serve multiple users and industries simultaneously.
13 May 2025
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Nokia today announced that stc group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, has successfully completed the kingdom’s first PoC for network slicing over a GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) infrastructure. The trial, conducted at stc group’s test lab in Riyadh, leveraged Nokia’s Altiplano Access Controller — a software solution for automating and controlling broadband access networks.
With Nokia’s platform, stc group created and managed multiple virtual network slices within its existing GPON infrastructure. Each slice was optimized for specific performance requirements—such as bandwidth, latency, and reliability— to support services ranging from cloud gaming and enterprise connectivity to mobile backhaul, smart city solutions, and secure government operations.
By leveraging Nokia’s Altiplano controller stc group will be able to dynamically allocate network resources, accelerating service deployment, improving user experience, and optimizing infrastructure efficiency. Network slicing also unlocks new revenue opportunities across wholesale, B2B, and digital infrastructure initiatives. Nokia’s Altiplano platform integrates multi-vendor equipment and supports multiple PON technologies through a single interface, ensuring consistent gigabit performance and streamlined operations. Once deployed, the solution will help stc group deliver advanced digital services faster and at scale.
“This GPON slicing trial marks a significant step in transforming our network capabilities. Nokia’s solution allows us to deliver tailored services with speed, precision, and scalability, advancing our vision of a smarter digital infrastructure for the kingdom,” said Bader Allhieb, VP of Network Infrastructure at stc.
“Altiplano empowers service providers to automate and optimize network management, resulting in faster service delivery, improved efficiency, and superior user experiences. By working with pioneers like stc group we’re able to redefine what is possible in network automation,” added Ibrahim Al-Abbas, Head of stc Group Sales Unit for Network Infrastructure at Nokia.
- Resources and additional information
- Product page: Lightspan FX
- Product page: Altiplano Access Controller
- Product page: Fixed access network automation
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.
About stc group
stc group is a digital enabler, offering advanced solutions and driving a role in the digitalization process. The group provides a comprehensive suite of services encompassing digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), digital payments, digital media, and digital entertainment. The group comprises 13 subsidiaries across The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
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