MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Huawei, has launched the country’s first 400G/800G Hybrid Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON) in Lagos — a major leap forward for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The deployment, completed in June 2025, marks a new era of ultra-broadband connectivity and high network reliability in Nigeria. It positions MTN at the forefront of broadband innovation while reinforcing Huawei’s role in supporting Africa’s transition toward intelligent, high-capacity networks.
According to MTN Nigeria’s Chief Technical Officer, Yahaya Ibrahim, the new network will play a critical role in enhancing service quality and ensuring operational efficiency.
“This milestone enables MTN Nigeria to meet its growing capacity demands and improve the performance of wireless, home broadband, and enterprise services. With higher-capacity optical channels like 400G/800G, we can reduce cost per bit while boosting service reliability,” he said.
“The deployment of Hybrid ASON significantly enhances the stability of high-speed services, ensures upstream connectivity, and safeguards MTN’s revenue streams.”
Huawei’s President of Optical Transmission Domain, Gavin Gu, described the project as a breakthrough that sets the stage for smarter and faster network experiences across West Africa.
“By integrating our latest 400G/800G coherent optics, all-optical switching, and Hybrid ASON technologies, we’ve built an F5.5G foundation that enhances current network capabilities and anticipates future demands for intelligence,” Gu said.
“We are proud to collaborate with MTN on this journey and remain committed to driving innovation that strengthens regional ICT capabilities.”
Technical Breakthroughs
The project achieved two firsts in Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure:
- First activation of L0 + L1 ASON (Optical and Electrical Switching) on a DWDM transmission backbone in Lagos.
- First deployment of single-wavelength 800G optical channel in a Nigerian DWDM network — setting a new performance benchmark for optical transport in West Africa.
The implemented solution leverages Huawei’s 400G/800G platforms, Optical Cross-Connect (OXC), and Hybrid ASON technologies to deliver higher capacity, scalability, and operational simplicity. These upgrades will help MTN reduce long-term maintenance costs and enhance its service delivery.
Driving Africa’s Digital Transformation
The new hybrid optical network is expected to serve as a foundation for future infrastructure expansion and support the region’s growing digital economy. It strengthens MTN’s leadership in broadband innovation and provides a model for future connectivity upgrades across the continent.
Looking ahead, Huawei says it will continue to work closely with MTN to develop intelligent optical networks that accelerate digital inclusion and unleash the full potential of Africa’s digital future.
As a Founding and Headline Sponsor, Huawei will showcase its latest network technologies at MWC25 Kigali, Booth 208, Kigali Convention Centre.
