Press Release
Gigas, a Spanish multinational provider of convergent telecommunications, cybersecurity and cloud services for enterprises, deployed the first 10 Gbps (Gigabits per second) symmetric FTTP (Fiber To The Premises) broadband fibre facilities in Portugal dedicated exclusively to enterprise users.
Gigas is the first operator in Portugal to offer this speed to enterprises using XGS-PON (Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) state-of-the-art technology. This reflects Gigas’ commitment to innovation, which ONI, the Portuguese operator within the Gigas Group, has upheld throughout its two decades of history. Unlike standard practice in the telecommunications industry in Portugal, moreover, the offer will not require customers to sign a lock-in clause.
So far, optical networks available in Portugal, as in Spain, have been hybrids, supplying both residential and enterprise users. Service quality for enterprise users is low, because residential users typically “hog” the bandwidth (with high rates of video streaming, video games and social media, for instance). However, a high-end optical network for enterprise use only, such as the one Gigas will now offer, guarantees high quality for enterprise users. This will enhance digitalisation and ultimately boost the country’s economy.
The network is based on fibre optic infrastructure. Over its 20-year history, since its launch in 2000 when the telecommunications market was deregulated in Portugal, ONI, Gigas’ Portuguese subsidiary, has invested €550 million in fibre optic facilities. Over this period, the firm deployed more than 9,200 kilometres of fibre optic cable throughout the country and more than 75,800 fibre optic pairs, including its own networks and leased networks under IRUs (Indefeasible Rights of Use).
A network to support the digital transformation of SMEs
The company will focus on companies employing 4 to 250 employees and expects to cover approximately 36% of this target segment, i.e., 52,000 companies in that specific segment, and a total of 120,000 companies if companies of other sizes are also considered. The Group expects to invest €30 million in this project over the next 3 years.
This is a strategic bid at a picture-perfect time of economic recovery, “work-from-home” and its more demanding connection requirements, and digital transformation. Small and medium-sized companies require a fast and robust network to support their increasing commitment to digital services so as to gain a foothold in the market and create an innovative ecosystem.
“With this new service, Gigas reiterates its commitment to invest in Portugal, which accounts for more than half of the Group’s revenue. This strengthens our commitment to contribute to the digital transformation and innovation of companies,” said Diego Cabezudo, CEO and co-founder of Gigas. "The offering of 10 Gbps speeds without a lock-in clause will make it easier for companies to tackle ambitious digitalisation projects that will help them thrive and succeed."
