Telekom Srbija and Mtel Deploy Ciena Optical Technology to Improve Cross-Border Connectivity

Key Terms

coherent optical technical

Coherent optical describes a way of sending data over fiber optic cables that reads both the brightness and the precise wave pattern of light, similar to listening to both the volume and pitch of a tone instead of just whether sound is present. It matters to investors because this technique multiplies the amount of data networks can carry and reduces long‑distance costs, driving demand for higher‑performance gear and upgrades across telecom and cloud infrastructure.

packet-optical platform technical

A packet-optical platform is a networking device that combines digital data routing with high-capacity fiber transport, letting large amounts of internet and telecom traffic be organized and sent efficiently over long distances. For investors it matters because these platforms lower operating costs and enable faster, scalable broadband and cloud services—similar to merging a postal sorting center and an express highway to move more parcels faster—impacting service revenue, capital spending and competitive strength.

wavelogic 5 extreme technical

WaveLogic 5 Extreme is a high-performance optical signal processing chip used in fiber‑optic network gear to send far more data over the same strand of glass by encoding and decoding complex light patterns. For investors, its importance lies in enabling carriers to boost capacity and offer faster services without laying new fiber, which can reduce costs, drive new revenue opportunities and give equipment vendors a competitive advantage—like widening a road to carry more traffic without changing the route.

hyperscalers technical

Hyperscalers are large technology companies that operate massive computing networks and data centers to provide cloud services, data storage, and online infrastructure at an enormous scale. They are essential to the digital economy because they enable businesses and organizations to handle vast amounts of data and run complex applications efficiently. For investors, hyperscalers represent powerful engines of growth and innovation in the technology sector.

low latency technical

Low latency refers to the minimal delay between a request and the response in a system, much like how quickly a car accelerates after pressing the gas pedal. In investing, it means information or transactions are processed very rapidly, allowing traders to act on the latest data almost instantly. This speed can provide a competitive advantage by enabling quicker decisions in fast-moving markets.

fiber optic network technical

A fiber optic network is a system of thin glass or plastic cables that carry data as pulses of light, like high-speed highways for internet and communications. Investors care because these networks enable much faster, more reliable and higher-capacity connections than older copper lines, creating steady demand, potential long-term contracts and barriers to competitors—factors that can drive recurring revenue, require large upfront investment, and affect a provider’s growth and valuation.

Network upgrade drives 5G readiness and integration into European connectivity routes

HANOVER, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Telekom Srbija Group, one of the largest and fastest-growing telecommunications operators in Southeast Europe and a digital transformation leader in the Western Balkans, and its subsidiary Mtel are utilizing Ciena’s (NYSE: CIEN) coherent optical solutions to enhance network connectivity between Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. This initiative will support regional growth, future-proof Telekom Srbija’s infrastructure, and position Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina as vital connectivity hubs within Europe.

Ciena’s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform equipped with WaveLogic 5 Extreme coherent transceivers will allow Telekom Srbija to deliver 800 Gb/s across a new 150-kilometer fiber route between Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The high-capacity, low-latency network will provide scalable, highly resilient network performance and accommodate future capacity demands driven by hyperscaler traffic and the rollout of 5G services across Serbia.

“Telekom Srbija Group has continually invested in innovations and the development of state-of-the-art network infrastructure with the aim of ensuring that our customers receive top-quality and reliable services. This latest project represents a significant upgrade to our network infrastructure and enables the implementation of cutting-edge technologies,” said Katarina Subotić, Chief Sales Officer at Telekom Srbija. “In addition to ensuring low latency, high reliability, and efficient data transmission, the high-capacity fiber optic network powered by Ciena will also enhance inter-network connectivity and open up new prospects for further regional expansion of business operations.”

“Telekom Srbija and Mtel’s focus on enabling hyperscaler network expansion in the European market aligns with Ciena’s commitment to delivering scalable, high-performance network solutions that address evolving customer needs,” said Anders Grand, Vice President of EMEA Sales at Ciena. “Hyperscalers are increasingly relying on the network as a critical enabler of their operations. This growing global interconnectivity demand is accelerating the adoption of advanced optical technologies in infrastructure builds, ensuring scalability, automation, and efficiency to support bandwidth-intensive workloads.”

The project is being carried out in close collaboration with Ciena’s certified service partner IGMAKO Smart Solutions, a systems integrator based in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina that provides end-to-end telecommunications solutions for the entire range of access, transport, and mission-critical products.

About Telekom Srbija

Telekom Srbija is the leader on the telecommunications market in Serbia that brings a unique and integrated experience to its customers. Operating in Serbia under the mts, Supernova and m:SAT TV brands, the company provides services in the sphere of mobile and fixed telephony, television and the Internet. By the introduction of new services and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, the company tries to enable global connectivity and enrich people’s lives by creating conditions for excellent communication.

By continued investment in further development and modernization of the telecommunications infrastructure, network and services, the company can successfully respond to all the challenges, demands and expectations of the customers. Also, by creating new trends, the company encourages the development of new customer experiences. Telekom Srbija operates within Telekom Srbija Group which boasts a versatile portfolio of telecommunications services in several countries in Europe serving nearly 12 million customers, while it is globally present through the sale of television content throughout the world, i.e. on five continents.

About MTel

Mtel a.d. Banja Luka is one of the leading telecommunications operators in Bosnia and Herzegovina, delivering a comprehensive portfolio of fixed and mobile telephony, broadband, IPTV, and digital services to residential and business customers. As a member of the Telekom Serbia Group, Mtel operates within a strong regional ecosystem, providing advanced communications solutions across the Western Balkans.

Driven by a strategic focus on innovation, network modernization, and customer experience, Mtel continuously invests in next-generation technologies, including fiber-optic infrastructure, 5G readiness, and advanced ICT services. Through these initiatives, the company plays an active role in enabling digital transformation, supporting economic development, and ensuring reliable, high-quality connectivity throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina

About Ciena

Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity. We build the world’s most adaptive networks to support exponential growth in bandwidth demand. By harnessing the power of our networking systems, interconnects, automation software, and services, Ciena revolutionizes data transmission and network management. With unparalleled expertise and innovation, we empower our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era. For updates on Ciena, follow us on LinkedIn and X, or visit the Ciena Insights webpage and Ciena website.

Note to Ciena Investors

You are encouraged to review the Investors section of our website, where we routinely post press releases, SEC filings, recent news, financial results, and other announcements. From time to time we exclusively post material information to this website along with other disclosure channels that we use. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based on our current expectations, forecasts, information and assumptions. These statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those stated or implied, because of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in our most recent annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies and can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Press Contacts:

Elena Fuhrmann

Ciena Corporation

+1 (410) 694-5761

pr@ciena.com

Telekom Srbija

prsektor@telekom.rs

Investor Contact:

Gregg Lampf

Ciena Corporation

+1 (410) 694-5700

ir@ciena.com

Source: Ciena