Nokia and t3 Broadband announced the deployment of a new ultra-high-capacity optical transport network for broadband operator Aureon. This AI-optimized infrastructure connects a major data center development project in North Dakota to the Chicago metropolitan area. The network utilizes Nokia’s optical networking solutions and is delivered by t3 Broadband leveraging its infrastructure expertise, providing the advanced connectivity required to support the rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and hyperscale data center workloads.

The new route design supports transmission capacity expansion up to 400 terabits (Tb/s) per second, making it the highest-capacity network connection for Aureon to date and laying a scalable foundation for future growth in AI infrastructure. This deployment is based on the Nokia 1830 Global Express (GX) platform, Super C and L-band optical line systems, as well as the 1.2T ICE7 coherent optical components, significantly expanding Aureon’s network capabilities and enabling it to provide services at transmission scales traditionally reserved for hyperscale operators.

Aureon CEO George O’Neal stated, “This deployment equips us with the capacity and flexibility to support large-scale data center interconnection demands while establishing a blueprint for future expansion. Our collaboration with Nokia and t3 Broadband enables us to bring new transmission capabilities to the network in the era of artificial intelligence.”

T3 Broadband CEO Chris Crowe stated, “Our goal is to help customers build future-ready networks. Through close collaboration with Nokia and Aureon, we delivered high-capacity optical transmission solutions that support their long-term growth strategy. This deployment enhances Aureon’s capability to serve large-scale data centers and AI connectivity demands while laying the foundation for future expansion.”

Nokia’s Vice President of Sales, Matt Young, stated, “Artificial intelligence is accelerating the demand for scalable, high-performance connectivity between data centers. Partnering with t3 Broadband and Aureon, we are delivering the optical infrastructure needed to support this growth. This deployment demonstrates how advanced optical networks can help operators efficiently scale capacity, maximize fiber resource utilization, and build networks that meet the demands of the AI era.”