Access networks
In the nearest future, provision of fixed communication services will be directed to maintenance of current subscriber base and provision of value-added services. The networks of RUE Beltelecom are developing on the base of multiservice platforms (IMS, Cloud PBX). As January 1, 2026, the number of multiservice platforms subscribers reached more than 3.8 million.
The applied approaches to the construction of access networks require changes in the terminal equipment installed on the subscriber's side. To ensure a higher penetration of broadband access services, including VoIP services, subscribers have a modem (home gateway) equipped with various interfaces (analog telephone port, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi port, etc.) and providing a full range of multiservices (VoIP, Internet access, IPTV, etc.).
Currently, subscribers are connected using the following technologies:
- Optical access network nodes based on GPON technology, built to provide telecommunication services to all subscribers of apartment buildings, primarily in urban settlements, as well as in residential blocks of new individual buildings. As of January 1, 2026, more than 3,15 million subscribers of RUE Beltelecom were connected to the GPON network.
- DSLAM-type broadband access nodes introduced to provide communication services for network construction projects using copper cables in order to efficiently use the investments of RUE Beltelecom in the constructed subscriber network, primarily in rural telecommunication networks. The subscriber capacity of DSLAM nodes is used to provide a full range of broadband services.
- GPON access nodes. This technical solution allows to meet the demand of subscribers for communication services, additional multimedia services and applications provided by the IMS platform, etc. by installing one access node with a single point of connection to the data transmission network.
GPON technology
In December 2011, Beltelecom began providing services using xPON (Passive Optical Network) technology. This technology is considered as an effective way to develop an access network capable of supporting both existing and new telecommunications services.
As of January 1, 2026, the number of subscribers connected to RUE Beltelecom's GPON network reached 3.15 million. You can find this information on the access network penetration map (PON, xDSL).
Subscribers’ needs for the quantity and variety of services are constantly growing. By offering fiber-optic lines as the so-called last mile, RUE Beltelecom ensures their provision at high speeds and with the required quality. GPON is the most promising technology for broadband multiservice access over optical fiber.
This technology is used not only in the construction of new access networks, but also in the modernization of existing ones, for example, when releasing the installed capacity of electronic PBX. The main goal of updating existing access networks is, first of all, the need to improve the quality and range of services provided by switching existing broadband access subscribers (xDSL) to a new technology (xPON).
The subscriber's apartment is no longer connected to a copper cable, but to a fiber-optic cable, which opens up a number of new opportunities for subscribers, namely:
- increase in the length of the subscriber line up to 20 km, optimize the distribution network and minimize its energy consumption (through the use of passive optical splitters);
- high-speed Internet access up to 500 Mbit/s or more in the direction from the network to the subscriber, the speed can be increased to 1 Gbit/s;
- unification of the process of connecting and servicing subscribers due to the minimal use of active equipment;
- multiservice access, which provides subscribers with a comprehensive set of basic services (telephone, Internet access, and television). Using GPON technology also offers greater flexibility when connecting to interactive television services. Using GPON networks, multiple TV-sets in an apartment or office can be simultaneously connected to interactive television, ensuring high-quality broadcasting;
- stable quality of services.
