Networking

Subsea cable and data centre operator GCX to rebrand

Global Cloud Xchange (GCX) has today announced its rebrand to FLAG. With strong continued investment, FLAG looks to maintain its growth and status as one of the largest privately owned, global subsea cable operators. Following the rebrand, the company’s Managed Services division will continue to operate under its existing name of GCX Managed Services. FLAG provides end-to-end, high-speed digital connectivity services. These include flexible leased capacity, dark fibre and Layer 2 & 3 services for hyperscalers, telecom carriers, OTT content providers, new media providers and enterprises via an interconnected platform of seven subsea and six terrestrial cable systems. The company serves clients in over 180 countries, operating a diverse global network across key routes, powering the global telecommunications backbone with a unique infrastructure that spans Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the USA. This network ensures route redundancy and diversity for mission-critical dataflows, providing reliable connectivity and neutrality in hard-to-access regions, all while being engineered for optimal reliability, availability and continuity. To enhance the network capability and address the growing demand for data processing and storage, FLAG also provides modular data centres, offering scalable, resilient solutions for high-performance computing deployments where customers need it most, from the network edge to cable landing stations and across multiple geographies. “FLAG represents our renewed commitment to global connectivity," says Carl Grivner (pictured above), CEO of FLAG. "Working closely with our clients, we are constantly upgrading and expanding our network to stay at the forefront of technological developments and meet evolving market demands. This ensures our clients receive the most advanced connectivity solutions, enabling them to scale, secure and optimise their data in an increasingly interconnected world.” FLAG has shown strong year-on-year growth and has recently signed several material investments to enhance its Middle East and intra-Asia subsea capabilities. The rebrand is linked to FLAG’s focus on pursuing its long-term goals and prioritising investments across more geographies through subsea, edge data centres and cable landing stations. Overlaying these strategic pillars, FLAG is further developing its technology solutions to create customer-tailored propositions as demand for data traffic rises amid the growth in content, AI and digital services. The company will continue investing in digitisation to advance its customer offerings and deliver innovative solutions across the globe. Carl continues, “This rebrand of FLAG allows us to move forward with a clear vision and the flexibility to innovate and invest in our infrastructure in ways that provide unparalleled value to our customers and partners. With strong backing from our Board and 3i Infrastructure we are committed to delivering market-leading, high-performance solutions across the globe.” FLAG is run by a highly experienced management team, with Carl Grivner leading the company as CEO, supported by Brice Evin as CFO, Brad Kneller as CNO, Paul Abfalter as CS&RO, Nadya Melic as VP – Product and Marketing, and Asif Ghani – VP – Edge Data Centre Services. Both FLAG and GCX Managed Services will be jointly supported by the collective management team that includes Edward Parkin - General Counsel, Giancarlo Ferro - CIO, and MU Khan – VP of Human Resources.

EXFO introduces new line of 'always-on' testers

EXFO, a network test, monitoring, and analytics expert, has introduced a new series of always mobile-connected testers designed to increase field efficiency, compliance, and collaboration when deploying and maintaining fibre networks. The FTB Lite 700 series of OTDRs (optical time domain reflectometers), with seamless connectivity to EXFO’s Exchange cloud-based solution, was revealed at the FTTH Conference 2025 in Amsterdam earlier this week. “EXFO’s innovative FTB Lite 700 series is not just another test platform - it’s a game-changing tool built to enhance efficiency and performance in the field,” says Etienne Gagnon, Senior Vice President, Test & Measurement at EXFO. “Given the expansive growth in fibre networks as well as data centre proliferation, driven by AI applications, it’s imperative for deployments to be completed right the first time, and operators can now see their entire operation unfold in real time.” Automated access to comprehensive live data enabled by EXFO Exchange means being able to perform analytics and extract insights for better informed decision-making and planning, EXFO says, which in turn can accelerate project timelines. Real-time job tracking and reporting ensures that methods of procedure are adhered to for compliance with testing standards, while reducing errors and administrative time. Collaboration is enhanced given ease of connecting with team members in the office, on the road, or on-site in the field. Real-time data sharing, automated uploads, and cloud-based reporting all contribute to seamless and efficient teamwork. EXFO is an expert in OTDRs, and whether technicians are experienced or new to the role, EXFO believes they can excel at their jobs with user-friendly FTB Lite 700 series OTDRs for faster task completion and faster time to payment.

Digital Realty to boost global connectivity

Digital Realty, a global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data centre, colocation, and interconnection services, and Console Connect, PCCW Global’s on-demand platform and automated network for intelligent data movement, have announced a significant expansion of their strategic collaboration, which will extend the reach of ServiceFabric to several new markets globally. This latest move builds on the collaboration initially established in 2022 and will provide enterprises with enhanced options to connect to businesses and partners globally, across any location, at any time. Through a seamless API integration with the Console Connect platform, users of Digital Realty’s ServiceFabric gain access to on-demand connectivity to more than 100 new third-party data centres, including many located in key metros across the Middle East and Africa, where demand for connectivity from enterprises is growing. Additionally, the partnership will provide access to more than 75 new cloud on-ramps, further enriching the global connectivity options available to enterprises across PlatformDIGITAL. With the addition of these new sites, Digital Realty’s orchestration platform ServiceFabric is now accessible at more than 600 data centres globally, providing a myriad of interconnection opportunities and supporting the growing demands of digital businesses, including private connections for AI applications and joint expansion of respective AI Exchange ecosystems. “Our expanded collaboration with Console Connect underscores our commitment to providing seamless, scalable, and secure interconnection solutions for enterprises worldwide,” says Scott Mills, Senior Vice President, Product and Engineering, Digital Realty. “By leveraging Console Connect’s platform and the robust PCCW Global network, we’re enabling more customers to accelerate their digital transformation, drive AI adoption, and connect to a broader ecosystem of partners and services across diverse geographies including growing markets in Africa and the Middle East.” “With our extended collaboration, Digital Realty customers can enjoy the performance, speed and security offered by Console Connect’s privately managed network more easily than ever,” adds Michael Glynn, Senior Vice President of Digital Automated Innovation, PCCW Global. “Meanwhile, the broader availability of our on-demand services offers enterprises greater choice, flexibility and control over their global connections.” This expanded partnership strengthens Digital Realty and Console Connect’s leadership in data centre, NaaS (Network-as-a-Service), and AI Exchange solutions, empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. The deeper integration has already driven joint customer success, providing on-demand access to a vast ecosystem of networks, partners, and services. According to Kenny Wong, Technical Consultant at Azonne, a provider of customisable business-class Hosted PBX phone service and unified communications services based in Hong Kong, "Console Connect and Digital Realty offered Azonne a seamless, one-stop solution for our networking needs. Setting up Console Connect via a ServiceFabric port at our existing data centre location was incredibly easy, and this collaboration has enabled us to interconnect effortlessly with other data centre locations, internet exchanges, and office sites across Asia." For more from Digital Realty, click here.

ZTE showcasing FTTx innovations at FTTH Conference 2025

ZTE Corporation, a global provider of integrated information and communication technology products, is showcasing its full lifecycle FTTx innovation at the FTTH Conference 2025. The FTTx innovation indicates that the entire FTTx construction and O&M process has entered the 'zero era', including four features: Zero-touch planning: Cutting-edge AI identification technologies are used for planning and design, and project survey results are output with only one click, greatly improving planning efficiency.Zero construction threshold: The end-to-end full-stack FTTx innovation allows for full-scenario coverage, laying a foundation for smooth upgrade and continuous evolution in the future. ZTE offers a comprehensive series of ODN products in the industry to accurately meet the diversified requirements of different markets.Zero fault blind spot: The system provides the active early warning function for potential faults, and works with the end-to-end digital and intelligent network management and O&M to ensure network operation without fault dead spots.Zero idle resources: The system dynamically perceives the link status and automatically updates it in a timely manner so that the ODN end-to-end resource accuracy is 100% and idle ports are activated to avoid resource waste. The precise resource management ensures zero errors in one-time deployment, without the need for revisit. In home area, ZTE builds 'one smart home, one-key control, and AI-enabled quality life', and reconstructs a new ecosystem of digital home life through the AIoT technology. One smart home: ZTE builds a full-scenario home ecosystem. XGS-PON and Wi-Fi 7 are integrated to offer ultra-broadband access capability and ultra-gigabit network coverage in the whole home. In the Wi-Fi Mesh and all-optical FTTR three-dimensional network architecture, the topology structure of 'one master, three slaves, N extensions' is constructed, the signal coverage is increased by 300%, and the roaming handover duration is as low as 10ms. In business innovation, the 4K/8K set-top boxes (STB) are used to create smart home screens. The AI-based intelligent security components of IP cameras (IPC) are employed to build a home security butler, and the distributed NAS storage matrix is utilised to construct a home data bank. One-click control: ZTE seeks to deliver a better home experience. Its home all-terminal management platform, ZENIC ONE, supports seamless interconnection of over 200 smart devices and empowerment based on large AI models to achieve AI O&M hubs and intelligent diagnosis. The large-model-based Wi-Fi self-optimisation system reduces complaint rate by 28%. In predictive maintenance, AI evaluation of device health promotes O&M efficiency by 74%. Facing the new experience of smart life in the future, the AI FTTR 6.0 integrates sensing, computing, storage and display, creating an entrance to a smart home. AI STBs support viewing, AI fitness, AI gaming, computing, and communication, serving as a gateway for home services. The Light PON solution supports lightweight and fast deployment. The lightweight OLT is light in weight and small in size. The outdoor design supports single-person single-site installation, greatly eliminating the dependence on large equipment rooms. The equipment room rental cost drops by 90%. Efficient and lightweight ODN breaks professional limitations, so that ordinary workers can quickly lay out it as needed and operate it easily, cutting cabling costs by 50%. Intelligent and lightweight management and O&M enables on-site device plug-and-play and zero configuration, greatly decreasing O&M load and human error risks and ensuring stable network operation. The cost-effective and easy-to-maintain transport network product is also showcased. Designed to help operators and ISP customers optimise network deployment and operations, this end-to-end lightweight transport network features compact, low-power, and easy-to-maintain box-type products. By streamlining infrastructure and reducing operational complexity, the solution minimises space requirements and power consumption, significantly lowering the total cost of ownership while ensuring efficient, reliable, and scalable network performance. ZTE says that it has achieved outstanding performance in the fierce competition in the global communications field. It ranks second in global market share of FTTx in the industry, and has carried out deep cooperation with over 300 operators across more than 100 countries. ZTE takes the lead in 50G PON, and has cooperated with over 50 operators. The ODN network covers more than 30 million users worldwide, and has been successfully deployed in more than 100 turnkey projects. In 2024, the total shipment of home terminals exceeded 100 million, and PON ONT/IP STB ranked number one in market share. For more from ZTE, click here.

nLighten introduces nConnect network service platform

nLighten, a digital infrastructure platform and a frontrunner in the European edge data centre market, has launched nConnect, its new network service platform which will deliver versatile network services across all nConnect enabled nLighten data centres throughout Europe. Through the nConnect platform, businesses can seamlessly connect to data centres, internet, and cloud providers, ensuring high-performance and low-latency access across Europe. Built on a resilient, route-diverse network spanning 12 of nLighten’s 34 edge data centre locations, the platform is supported by the latest data centre networking architecture. nConnect provides clients with a range of services, including Cloud Connect, DC Connect, Direct Internet Access (DIA), and IP Transit (IPT), all integrating with their presence in nLighten data centres. This ensures "effortless connectivity and streamlined network integration,", according to nLighten, offering clients: - Quick provisioning and flexible bandwidth options- Latest data centre networking architecture supporting segmentation, DDoS protection, and advanced analytics- Standardised SLA and pricing model with no long-term contracts- One-stop shop for multiple services, reducing complexity and costs Joachim van Collenburg, VP of Product Management at nLighten, highlights the advantages of nConnect, stating, “With nConnect, customers benefit from ultra-fast provisioning, flexible bandwidth options, and the latest data centre networking architecture. This is particularly valuable for businesses looking to establish an edge performance hub in a new region, or enterprises seeking cost-effective disaster recovery solutions with built-in geo-redundancy.” nConnect is now available in four of the seven markets where nLighten operates, including: - The Netherlands: Amsterdam (AMS1 and AMS2)- Germany: Frankfurt (FRA1)- France: Paris (PAR2)- United Kingdom: Birmingham (BHX1), Bristol (BRS1), Chester (MAN1), Leeds (LBA1), Liverpool (PLP1), Milton Keynes (LTN1), Nottingham (EMA1), and Swindon (BRS2). A phased rollout to additional nLighten edge data centres is planned later this year, ensuring low latency and high-performance connectivity across Europe. Data privacy is a cornerstone of nConnect, and the platform thus delivers a high-performance, resilient network using best-in-class intelligent networking technology. Private Ethernet networks and protected IP services ensure secure and efficient data handling, making nConnect ideal for AI-driven, high-density, and critical environments. Businesses can take advantage of nConnect services immediately to enhance their connectivity, scalability, and resilience. For more from nLighten, click here.

Broadband Forum launches trio of new open broadband projects

An improved user experience, including reduced latency and a wider choice of in-home applications, will be delivered to broadband consumers as the Broadband Forum launches three new projects. The three new open broadband projects will provide open source software blueprints for application providers and Broadband Service Providers (BSPs) to follow. These will deliver a foundation for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for network automation, additional tools for network latency and performance measurements, and on-demand connectivity for different applications. “These new projects will play a key role in improving network performance measurement and monitoring and the end-user experience,” says Broadband Forum Technical Chair, Lincoln Lavoie. “Open source software is a crucial component in providing the blueprint for BSPs to follow and we invite interested companies to get involved.” The new Open Broadband-CloudCO-Application Software Development Kit (OB-CAS), Open Broadband – Simple Two-Way Active Measurement Protocol (OB-STAMP), and Open Broadband – Subscriber Session Steering (OB-STEER) projects will bring together software developers and standards experts from the forum. The projects will deliver open source reference implementations, which are examples of how Broadband Forum specifications can be implemented. They act as a starting point for application developers to base their designs on. In turn, those applications are available on platforms for BSPs to select and offer to their customers, shortening the path between the development of the specification to the first deployment of the technologies into the network.  “The development of open source software and open broadband standards are invaluable to the industry, laying the foundations for faster innovation through global collaboration,” says Broadband Forum CEO, Craig Thomas. “The Broadband Forum places the end-user experience at the forefront of all of our projects and is playing a crucial role in overcoming network issues.” OB-CAS aims to simplify network monitoring and maintenance for BSPs, while also offering a wider selection of applications from various software vendors. Alongside this, network operations will be simplified and automated through existing Broadband Forum cloud standards that use AI and ML to improve the end-user experience. OB-STAMP will build an easy-to-deploy component that simplifies network performance measurement between Customer Premises Equipment and IP Edge. The project will allow BSPs to proactively monitor their subscribers’ home networks to measure latency and, ultimately, avoid network failures. Four vendors have already signed up to join the efforts to reduce the cost and time associated with deploying infrastructure for measuring network latency. Building on Broadband Forum’s upcoming technical report WT-474, OB-STEER will create a reference implementation of the Subscriber Session Steering architecture to deliver flexible, on-demand connectivity and simplify network management. Interoperability of Subscriber Session Steering is of high importance as it will be implemented in the access network equipment and edge equipment from various vendors.

stc partners with Juniper for 5G and data centre modernisation

Juniper Networks has announced that Saudi Telecom Company (stc) is expanding its 5G services to reach a total of 75 cities and regions. By leveraging Juniper 400G routers in its Converged Supercore network and key data centres, stc can dramatically improve network capacity, performance and scale while reducing energy use, all fully aligned with its ongoing digital transformation agenda. Additionally, incorporating automation into the infrastructure further streamlines operations and optimises efficiency, ensuring a seamless user experience. As stc planned its 5G services expansion, it needed to increase the capacity of the core network and key data centres powering its business and operational support systems for mobile, broadband, residential and B2B services. The objective was to create an elastic fabric with proven performance, able to streamline operations and simplify the network as services grow and evolve. stc prioritised the adoption of energy-efficient technology, underlining its commitment to environmental sustainability, deploying a 400G routing solution that can meet its optimised power and space requirements in support of its goals. stc uses Juniper Networks PTX10008 Packet Transport Routers to transform its Converged Supercore network. The PTX10008 router delivers 115.2Tbps capacity within a compact 13-U footprint and is 800G-ready to meet future demands. The core upgrade results in a remarkable 1,340% (14.4 times) increase in 100G capacity and an 864-port boost in 400G capacity per rack space, with a 43% reduction in watts/gig power consumption through ground-breaking silicon innovation.  stc's modernised data centre, powered by MX10008 routers, delivers a capacity of 76.8Tbps within a 13 RU form factor and is ready for 400G adoption. This modernisation effort enabled by Juniper Networks MX Series Universal Routers delivers a 384-port boost in 400G capacity per site, whilst also achieving a 90% reduction in the physical space requirements per site and an 87% decrease in watts/gig power consumption compared to previous multi-layer designs. By integrating Juniper's highly programmable PTX and MX platforms, stc can accelerate model-driven automation to streamline operations. These platforms are equipped with gRPC services, OpenConfig, NETCONF/Yang and native data models, demonstrating the solutions' simplicity and flexibility.

LINX Mombasa ready for business in Kenya

The London Internet Exchange (LINX)’s new interconnection hub, LINX Mombasa, is now ready for business. LINX Mombasa is a multi-site, interconnected Internet Exchange Point (IXP) within the iColo MBA1 and MBA2 data centres, strategically located in Kenya’s key digital gateway. The LINX operated IXP is a resilient, future-proof fabric providing a central meeting point for networks to pass their online traffic and keep it closer to the end user. This method known as peering, lowers network latency and improves overall performance and control. Mombasa is currently seeing strong growth in the interconnection market and is also one of the most internationally connected locations in Africa with seven submarine cables connecting Kenya to the entire coastline of Africa, as well as the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The expansion of LINX’s Kenyan footprint comes just over 12 months after the company launched its first IXP on the continent, LINX Nairobi. LINX’s global expansion strategy is always to deliver value to their existing member networks while being able to make a difference to the local connectivity ecosystem – for the good of the Internet. LINX Mombasa will provide both content delivery networks and local ISPs an alternative place to interconnect with additional services available across a resilient and redundant platform. LINX Head of Global Engagement, Nurani Nimpuno, comments, “We are thrilled to be extending our synergies with iColo, with whom we have had a successful journey at LINX Nairobi. We were seeing a demand for LINX services in Mombasa when we came to Kenya, and I am very pleased we can now start delivering the same value here.” LINX will be the first IXP to have a physical presence in both locations. The technical setup will mimic the engineering at LINX Nairobi using Nokia switches. Ranjith Cherickel, Founder & CEO of iColo, remarks, “We are delighted to host LINX Mombasa at our highly connected data centre facilities; MBA1 and MBA2. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing best-in-class infrastructure and services that drive digital transformation in Africa. The new IXP will create significant opportunities for partnerships, innovation, and growth in the region.” With the additional exchange point at iColo’s Mombasa campus, the peering traffic will continue to experience an upward trajectory and Mombasa City will continue to be the Gateway to East Africa. For more from The London Internet Exchange, click here.

EXA Infrastructure partners with IOEMA to boost connectivity

EXA Infrastructure, a critical digital infrastructure platform provider, has been chosen by IOEMA as the landing partner for its new submarine cable in Leiston, UK. From the cable landing station, EXA will also provide critical backhaul connectivity to major data centres, including London Telehouse and Equinix. Launched in May 2024, IOEMA is a 1,600km repeated high-capacity submarine fibre optic network linking five key Northern European markets: the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Norway. The project, which EXA describes as a "game-changer", connects strategic locations favoured by hyperscalers and content providers - due to power availability - with the primary landing points linking Europe’s core FLAP (Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris) data hubs. Leiston, one of EXA Infrastructure’s 20 cable landing stations, serves as a critical gateway between the UK and the Netherlands via the Concerto cable. It offers low-latency direct links to London, alternative routes to Dublin and northern UK regions bypassing London, and access to multiple transatlantic pathways, further strengthening connectivity to the Nordics. Steve Roberts, SVP of Strategic Investments and Product Management at EXA Infrastructure, states, "Being selected as the landing partner for this advanced fibre optic project highlights our expertise in delivering complex subsea landing solutions. Our commitment to providing diversity and resiliency through our extensive owned fibre network in Europe, coupled with vital transatlantic routes, positions us as a market leader in enabling advanced connectivity" Eckhard Bruckschen, CTO at IOEMA Fibre, adds, ‘We are thrilled to announce our landing partnership for our second UK landing point in Leiston. Working with EXA Infrastructure enables IOEMA to link to one of Europe’s largest infrastructure footprints and beyond, increasing the connectivity solutions, diversity and reach of our system.’ For more from EXA Infrastructure, click here.

MXT Holdings improves data centre connectivity in Mexico

MXT Holdings (MXT), a telecommunications infrastructure company in Mexico that develops and operates neutral-host communication infrastructure assets, is deploying Ciena's coherent routing innovations - and in the process, taking proactive measures to handle escalating traffic demands placed on its network driven by 5G, cloud-based applications, and the evolving digital landscape. MXT manages over 3,500km of long-haul and metropolitan fibre optic networks in Central and Southeast Mexico. Its network is deployed across key states, including Quintana Roo, Chiapas, and Tabasco. To improve connectivity for its customers and create a more adaptive network, MXT is utilising Ciena’s coherent routing across its metro and long-haul networks. This upgrade will allow MXT to connect key links between Mexico City and Monterrey, creating a network that is significantly more resilient, reliable, and scalable. MXT will also be able to offer up to 400G connectivity options for data centres, high-performance computing networks, enterprises, and service provider applications. Jorge Millones, COO, MXT, comments, “At MXT, we are committed to delivering connectivity that goes beyond our customers’ expectations. With Ciena’s coherent routing innovations, we are better able to support our customers’ digital experiences and offer more robust and reliable connectivity. Ciena’s technology allows us to optimise network performance by streamlining hardware components. This not only enables faster time to market, giving our customers a distinct advantage in today’s highly competitive environment, but also drives operational efficiency.” This transformative network upgrade will not only improve the overall customer experience, but also allow MXT’s network to boost infrastructure efficiency and create a network that can seamlessly adapt to meet evolving bandwidth demands. MXT’s network leverages Ciena’s coherent routing solution comprised of the 5164 Router and 8114 Coherent Aggregation Router with WaveLogic 5 Nano (WL5n) 400ZR pluggable transceivers running over Ciena’s Coherent ELS and 6500 open line systems. With Ciena’s coherent routing, MXT can deploy less hardware, saving capex and opex, while flexibly supporting a range of use cases, including data centre interconnect (DCI). The multi-layer network will be managed by Ciena’s Navigator Network Control Suite (NCS), providing ease of deployment and management. Additionally, with Ciena’s PinPoint OTDR, MXT can use advanced analytics and software tools to monitor and identify potential trouble spots and accelerate repair times.