Nokia (NYSE: NOK) said on Wednesday it is the first technology vendor to announce Buy America-compliant products ready to come to market. The products are optical line terminal (OLT) cards used in fiber networks. They’ve come off the Sanmina manufacturing line from a plant in Pleasant Prairie, WI. Sanmina is a contract electronics manufacturing firm that serves OEMs in communications.
Nokia says the event underscores the company’s commitment to providing BEAD applicants with the broadband technology needed for critical infrastructure projects that will help close the digital divide. Nokia announced its plans with Sanmina last August and says it delivered on its commitment to manufacture Buy America-compliant products in the United States in “record-breaking” time.
The OLT cards help connect users to fast, reliable gigabit data services. These devices are critical in fiber networks, ensuring broadband data gets to and from homes or businesses, according to the telecom manufacturer.
Nokia will self-certify each product according to NTIA specifications to ensure that listed vendors comply with the final guidelines. “Our Buy America-compliant products give BEAD applicants and infrastructure providers access to technology that will be critical to bridging the digital divide. By aligning with Buy American guidelines, we’re actively contributing to the U.S. government’s mission of expanding nationwide broadband access,” said Nokia President of Fixed Networks Sandy Motley.
Fiber Broadband Association President/CEO Gary Bolton said: “Having access to technology that is built in the U.S. is an important requirement for states and infrastructure players seeking to participate in BEAD and the $42.45 billion of available broadband funding. The general availability of Buy America-compliant products from leading FBA members like Nokia will be a key contributor to fiber broadband operators completing their mission to connect every American to the power of fiber broadband.”
Nokia says it “powers” 70 percent of fiber broadband lines in North America. Nokia Buy America-Compliant fiber-optic products include:
- Nokia FX and MF OLT modular product lines
- Nokia SF-8M sealed OLT
- XS-220X-A ONT
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
