CommScope & Nokia partner to accelerate FTTH rollouts in APAC

CommScope and Nokia have announced a joint initiative to streamline fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) through the integration of their respective technologies.

The two companies are combining the CommScope FLX ODN non-hardened connectorised terminals with the Nokia Broadband Easy digital automation platform. This integrated solution is designed to accelerate and automate FTTH network rollouts, providing service providers with a more digitised and controlled pathway to delivering fibre connectivity.

According to CommScope, one of the significant issues in FTTH field deployments is the precise installation and provisioning of network components, a challenge that can lead to delays and increased costs if not addressed effectively.

"One of the most persistent challenges in FTTH field deployments is achieving precise installation and provisioning of network components," said Andrew Bond-Webster, Vice President, Broadband APAC, CommScope. "By integrating Nokia Broadband Easy with the CommScope FLX ODN solution, we're empowering service providers to get it right the first time-every time. This minimises rework, enables the use of less specialised technicians, and enhances rollout accuracy. The CommScope FLX ODN platform is instrumental in lowering total cost of ownership, accelerating time to market, and reducing unnecessary truck rolls-delivering greater operational efficiency and cost savings."

The integration features plug-and-play fibre access terminals from CommScope, which employ advanced indexing and connectorised technology. This approach eliminates the need for field splicing while maintaining a modular and scalable architecture, offering providers flexibility in expanding their fibre networks.

These fibre access terminals are now integrated with the Nokia Broadband Easy platform. Service providers will be able to centrally manage the entire fibre deployment process-from design through to operational activities-using automation and AI-driven quality assurance tools.

Nokia emphasised the role of advanced technologies in making broadband deployments less complex and more cost-effective for operators in the region.

"With Broadband Easy, we're transforming fiber deployment-making it simpler, faster, and more cost-efficient for operators," said Vimal Kothandaraman, Vice President, APAC Fixed Networks business center, Nokia. "By harnessing the power of AI alongside our deep expertise in fiber network design, and integrating the CommScope FLX ODN solution, we're not only helping operators to save costs and reduce rollout times but also enabling them to accelerate delivery of high-speed connectivity to the next billion homes."

The platform, according to the companies, offers AI-driven automation and quality assurance capabilities. This central management allows service providers to optimise network planning, monitor deployment progress in real-time, and identify issues early, thereby reducing time to market and operational costs.

Industry observers note that field installation challenges and the need for qualified specialist technicians have historically slowed FTTH deployments. The ability to use less specialised personnel, as highlighted by CommScope, may help operators overcome workforce limitations and expand their networks more rapidly.

The joint FTTH solution from CommScope and Nokia is available for customers in APAC. Both companies plan to present the combined offering at industry events in France and Thailand during 2025, reflecting a wider industry push towards digital automation and centralised management in broadband infrastructure projects across multiple markets.