Nokia has taken a significant step in bolstering the U.S. telecom infrastructure by announcing the production of fiber-optic broadband network electronics and optical modules in the country.
This makes Nokia the first telecom company to undertake such manufacturing within the United States. The move comes in response to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, aimed at closing the digital divide and expanding internet access across the nation.
Nokia fiber-optic broadband products manufactured in the U.S. will include:
# Optical Line Termination card for a modular Access Node
# A small form factor OLT
# OLT optical modules
# An “outdoor-hardened” Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
Fiber-optic networks, utilizing light to transmit data through thin strands of glass, have become the backbone of the digital economy, providing fast and reliable gigabit data services. A considerable 70 percent of fiber broadband lines in North America are powered by Nokia’s technology.
Now, in partnership with Sanmina Corporation, Nokia will establish the manufacturing of various fiber-optic broadband products at Sanmina’s cutting-edge facility in Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha County, Wisconsin. This initiative is expected to create up to 200 new jobs in the state.
The decision to manufacture fiber-optic technology in the U.S. brings several advantages. Nokia can now supply its products and services to crucial projects like BEAD, which focus on narrowing the digital divide and providing broadband services to underserved communities. Moreover, the move aligns with the Biden administration’s emphasis on domestic manufacturing and investing in American workers.
Pekka Lundmark, President, and CEO of Nokia expressed their commitment to connecting people and communities, emphasizing the impact such initiatives can have on improving access to work, education, and healthcare for many Americans. Nokia is eager to collaborate with BEAD participants and bridge the digital gap with the help of their U.S.-manufactured fiber-optic broadband access products.
United States Vice President Kamala Harris praised the announcement, highlighting how the administration’s efforts to invest in domestic manufacturing and infrastructure are already creating jobs in Wisconsin and nationwide. The aim is to provide reliable high-speed internet to every corner of America, ensuring everyone has the necessary tools to thrive in the modern world.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that investing in American manufacturing and jobs is the key to realizing a strong and equitable economy for the future. The partnership between Nokia and Sanmina represents a crucial step in fulfilling President Biden’s promise to connect every American with high-speed internet.
Jure Sola, Chairman, and CEO of Sanmina expressed excitement in partnering with Nokia to build robust and resilient high-tech fiber broadband networks. By investing in domestic manufacturing, both companies aim to create a sustainable future for the industry, driving job growth and maintaining the quality associated with American manufacturing.
With Nokia’s commitment to expanding connectivity and bridging the digital divide in the U.S., the partnership with Sanmina and participation in the BEAD program is expected to significantly advance the nation’s broadband infrastructure, benefiting communities, businesses, and individuals alike.
Seven out of ten fiber broadband connections in North America are made through Nokia equipment.
Nokia is the top supplier of fiber-optic broadband technology for service providers in the U.S.
Nokia is the number one vendor for XGS-PON technology globally and in the U.S. market. XGS-PON can deliver up to 10 Gbps (Gigabits-per-second) broadband speeds to end-users. With 10 Gbps, you can download a 4K movie in less than 30 seconds or stream around 1,700 movies simultaneously.
Nokia was the first to deploy 1, 10 and 25 Gigabit fiber-optic broadband networks in the U.S. with the Electric Power Board (EPB) in Chattanooga, Tennessee.