Future-proofing Connectivity: Central & Eastern Europe

We spoke to Janos Matula, one of RETN’s leading experts in Central and Eastern European Wholesale Telecommunications. Based in Budapest and with extensive experience in the telecom industry, Janos shares valuable insights into network trends and innovations:

“As a seasoned participant in the region, covering Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Czech Republic and its ever-evolving landscape of network connectivity, I’m keen to share two prominent trends shaping the industry, which I’ve witnessed in recent months.”

Trend 1: The Rising Need for Network Security Post-Pandemic 

With the onset of the COVID pandemic, business networks have experienced an alarming surge in cyber-attacks. As companies rapidly adapted to remote work, digital communication, and heavy reliance on digital infrastructure - cybercriminals saw new avenues to exploit vulnerabilities. In response, the demand for robust network security solutions has soared. Customers are looking beyond traditional IP services and seeking comprehensive solutions that can shield their networks from sophisticated threats.

Across the CEE region, telecoms companies have been closely monitoring these developments and understanding the changing needs of their customers. While traditional security measures suffice for some, a growing number of businesses are seeking comprehensive and tailored solutions.

The rising demand for more robust defence mechanisms has paved the way for our proprietary IP Guard solutions. These go beyond standard IP services and offer packaged solutions that combine DDoS protection with IP transit, and we see increased appetite from customers looking to safeguard their networks proactively. For instance, sophisticated technologies like Flowspec enable customers to detect and stop attacks within the upstream network (RETN) before they reach the customer’s infrastructure. This proactive approach not only mitigates the impact of attacks but can also empower customers with additional peace of mind.

Bottom-line, these advancements reflect a broader shift in the industry's mindset. Instead of relying solely on homemade solutions, we are seeing customers now keen to explore cutting-edge security options to safeguard their networks effectively.

Trend 2: Embracing 400G Technology

Large companies in the CEE telecom market are increasingly exploring and testing 400G solutions to meet the growing demand for faster and more future-proof network infrastructures.

The potential of 400G technology extends beyond immediate efficiency gains and cost savings. Forward-thinking businesses are looking ahead, envisioning the future landscape and aiming to maintain competitive advantage. Evaluating their approach and equipment, they are exploring how to future-proof their businesses for the next three to five years. RETN is embracing this consultative approach, working with customers and technical teams, to understand their unique requirements and challenges, and align with long-term goals. An excellent example is our work with BIX to provide a 400Gbps wavelength service to meet the rising demands of cross-border data exchange (you can read more about that here). This collaborative process enables customers to make informed decisions that will have a lasting impact on their businesses.

By staying informed about emerging trends, engaging in collaborative discussions, and leveraging the expertise of seasoned telecoms partners, businesses across the CEE region can navigate the evolving landscape with confidence.

If you have any questions or would like to contribute to the conversation, I encourage you to get in touch.

Warm regards,

Janos Matula

Director of Wholesale Business, Central and Eastern Europe, RETN