Belgacom switches on VDSL2 vectoring network

Belgium national carrier Belgacom has activated a nationwide broadband access network based on VDSL2 vectoring. The service provider is using technology supplied by Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU).

Alcatel-Lucent has worked with Belgacom on VDSL2 vectoring since 2011 (see “Belgacom Alcatel-Lucent’s first VDSL2 vectoring customer”). The Belgian incumbent plans to use the network initially to boost data rates on its copper infrastructure from 30 Mbps with VDSL2 to 70 Mbps via vectored VDSL2 and its new modem, the B-BOX3.

After a trial of the technology (see "Alcatel-Lucent, Belgacom to carry out large-scale VDSL2 vectoring trial"), the turnup began this past December in Mechelen. The service will be available soon in Herstal, Laeken, Roeselaere, and Mons. The next activation phase will begin in April; Belgacom expects to complete the rollout in 2016.

“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,” commented Johan Luystermans, vice president, network engineering and operations for Belgacom. “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.”

In addition to the Alcatel-Lucent gear, Belgacom will leverage home gateways from Sagemcom and Technicolor. Broadcom and Ikanos have supplied the necessary chipsets.

“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,” added Federico Guillen, head of Alcatel-Lucent’s Fixed Networks business.

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