ZTE and Türk Telekom Achieve World-First 1.6T Optical Transmission Breakthrough

ZTE  Corporation, a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, and Türk Telekom , the largest integrated telecom operator in Türkiye, have jointly completed the world’s first 1.6T DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) trial with 12THz bandwidth on the live network in Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city. The trial successfully transmitted ultra-fast 800GE/400GE services, laying a solid foundation for the upcoming large-scale deployment of 5G networks, supporting the digital transformation  of industries in Türkiye, and driving the economic development of Europe and Asia.

With the booming global digital economy and the advent of Türkiye’s 5G network construction, building ultra-wide spectrum and ultra-fast optical network infrastructure has become a common goal for all operators in Türkiye. As in various field, Türk Telekom, which supports innovative research in the transmission layer, has become the first operator in Türkiye to perform the 1.6T single channel optical transmission trial with the latest generation DWDM technology.

In this trial, leveraging ZTE’s flagship optical transport product, ZXONE 9700, ZTE utilized its cutting-edge, in-house developed 1.6T optical module to perform 800GE/400GE services access within the ultra-wide spectrum C6THz + L6THz spectrum. The services were carried out over the links of the metro DWDM network established in Istanbul, which carries a significant portion of the city’s traffic, connecting two continents. Moreover, compared with the 1.2T optical module, the 1.6T optical module achieves a 25% reduction in power consumption per Gbit, effectively lowering customers’ OpEx and aligning with the strategic goal of developing green and low-carbon optical networks.

As the leading force behind Türkiye’s digital transformation, Türk Telekom continues to develop innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for data speed, enhance manageability, and drive greater energy efficiency. We are laying the groundwork for next-generation technologies through sustainable and forward-thinking advancements in data transmission.

During our intercontinental speed test conducted across the Bosphorus, we achieved a significant increase in capacity along with notable energy savings. These next-generation data transmission technologies will help accelerate business processes and boost efficiency across a wide range of sectors—including smart cities, autonomous vehicles, healthcare services, manufacturing, and digital gaming.

– Zafer Orhan, Deputy General Manager of Network, Türk Telekom

This successful trial marks a new step in the technological innovation and cooperation between the two parties in the field of optical communications. Through this trial, we have not only verified ZTE’s leading strength in DWDM technology, but also laid a solid foundation for the efficient, intelligent and sustainable development of future networks. We look forward to continuing to deepen cooperation with Türk Telekom, jointly promoting the evolution of optical communication technology, providing global users with a better network experience, and promoting the vigorous development of the digital economy.

– Peng Aiguang, Senior Vice President, ZTE