Nokia Commits to US Broadband Electronics Manufacturing for Biden's BEAD Program

John Lopez, Tech Times 05 August 2023, 10:08 am

Nokia, the Finnish telecommunications giant, has announced its commitment to manufacturing fiber-optic broadband electronics products and optical modules in the United States.

The initiative is part of President Biden's ambitious Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which aims to bring high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities nationwide.

US Electronics Manufacturing

In a significant development aligned with the President's economic policy, Nokia has announced that it will establish manufacturing operations in the United States. This strategic move aims to promote domestic production among major companies, even in the face of potentially higher costs than outsourcing to countries with cheaper labor.

The decision is expected to yield substantial benefits, outweighing the associated costs. The move promises to stimulate economic growth and generate employment opportunities while addressing the pressing issue of digital inequality within the nation.

PhoneArena tells us that Nokia has partnered with Sanmina Corporation to manufacture its fiber-optic broadband electronics products at the advanced Sanmina Pleasant Prairie facility in Kenosha County, Wisconsin.

The commencement of the manufacturing process is scheduled for 2024, and it is projected to create up to 200 new jobs within Wisconsin. This development marks Nokia as the pioneer telecom company to partake in the BEAD program's manufacturing operations in the United States.

Broadband Electronics

Fiber-optic networks, driven by cutting-edge technology that transmits data through thin strands of glass using light, have emerged as the foundational pillar of the digital economy, delivering swift and dependable gigabit data services.

Notably, Nokia is a testament to this, as a remarkable 70% of fiber broadband lines in North America rely on Nokia equipment. The company has solidified its position as the leading supplier of fiber-optic broadband technology for US service providers.

A noteworthy highlight of Nokia's offerings is its XGS-PON technology, capable of delivering breathtaking broadband speeds of up to 10 Gbps.

This achievement not only cements Nokia's standing as the global leader in such technology but also establishes its dominance in the US market. With the potential for 10 Gbps speeds, users can download a 4K movie in less than half a minute or stream around 1,700 movies simultaneously.

Nokia's track record of success includes pioneering the deployment of 1, 10, and 25 Gigabit fiber-optic broadband networks in the US, notably with the Electric Power Board (EPB) in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Connecting With People

Beyond being a business-driven initiative, Nokia's decision to manufacture broadband electronics products in the US underscores the company's unwavering commitment to connecting people and communities.

Pekka Lundmark, Nokia's President and CEO, emphasizes that many Americans still lack sufficient connectivity, leaving them at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing work, education, and healthcare.

To address this issue, the BEAD program has allocated a substantial $42.45 billion for broadband rollouts, aiming to bridge the digital divide by ensuring reliable, high-speed internet access reaches every corner of America.

By manufacturing technology within the US, Nokia can actively contribute to projects like BEAD, bolstering the nation's economic growth and job creation while supplying crucial products and services to drive connectivity and bridge the digital gap.

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