The C+L full-band integrated 1.6Tbps live network trial, described as a world first, was completed jointly by Türk Telekom and ZTE Corporation in Istanbul. The telecommunications trial demonstrated the ability to increase optical network capacity without replacing existing fiber infrastructure.
ZTE Corporation, listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock exchanges under codes 0763.HK and 000063.SZ, partnered with Türk Telekom to conduct the transcontinental field trial. The companies said the trial was conducted in Istanbul and completed on March 2, 2026.
What the C+L Full-Band Integrated Trial Achieved
The trial deployed ZTE’s C+L full-band integrated 1.6Tbps solution across a 12 THz spectrum. The solution supports seamless switching between the C-band and L-band through a unified management system, requiring no physical modifications to the existing network.
Moreover, the trial enabled ultra-high-speed 400GE and 800GE service transmission. It also reduced spare part types and significantly boosted overall system capacity, according to the companies.
Intelligent Network Management System
The trial introduced a holographic optical management system with capabilities in optical sensing, provisioning, diagnosis, and optimization. This system provides full visibility, manageability, and controllability across the network lifecycle.
Specifically, the system enables transport capacity mapping, network health assessment, and fault diagnosis analysis. As a result, fault resolution time decreases while network operational efficiency and stability improve. The artificial intelligence-driven management layer also supports proactive prevention of potential risks before they affect service.
Executive Statements on the Trial
“This trial carried out with ZTE represents another milestone in Türk Telekom’s ongoing leadership in building Türkiye’s most advanced optical transmission infrastructure. We proved that we can rapidly increase capacity in areas where it is needed without having to replace the entire network, setting another world’s first.”
Ebubekir Şahin, Chief Executive Officer, Türk Telekom
“This world’s first C+L full-band integrated 1.6Tbps live network trial with Türk Telekom demonstrates how ZTE’s globally proven optical transmission and AI-driven network management technologies can be successfully applied within Türkiye’s critical infrastructure.”
Ling Zhi, Vice President, ZTE
Implications for Türkiye’s Digital Economy
The companies said the trial lays a foundation for Türkiye to develop ultra-broadband and intelligent all-optical networks. Furthermore, both parties stated the outcome supports digital transformation across Türkiye and the broader Eurasian region.
The solution’s architecture is designed to respond rapidly to traffic growth while maintaining a low-cost and flexible infrastructure model. ZTE described the approach as part of its High Intelligence and High Performance optical transport network, or HI-OTN, framework.
The trial results were presented at an event in Barcelona, Spain, on March 2, 2026, coinciding with the Mobile World Congress period. Consequently, the milestone received attention from the global telecommunications industry as operators seek cost-effective paths to higher network capacity.