We experimentally demonstrate strong photorefractive self-focusing and soliton formation in Rh-doped strontium-barium niobate waveguides at telecommunication wavelengths up to λ = 1.5 μm. A comparison of soliton formation at different wavelengths in the visible and infrared region is carried out. We measure the electrooptic coefficient r33, analyze the soliton width, the accessible intensity range, and the wavelength dependence of the so-called `dark intensity'.