Nokia turns to Sanmina to build fiber broadband products in USA

Nokia announced a partnership with Sanmina to manufacture fiber-optic broadband network electronics products and optical modules in the U.S. for use in the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. 

Nokia’s plans for U.S manufacturing 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)

Sanmina will expand its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, adding about 200 jobs.

The investment comes in the wake of the Biden administration’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Build America Buy America Act, which were enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

Pekka Lundmark, President and CEO of Nokia, said: “At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. We are committed to connecting people and communities. However, many Americans still lack adequate connectivity, leaving them at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing work, education and healthcare. Programs like BEAD can change this. By bringing the manufacturing of our fiber-optic broadband access products to the U.S., BEAD participants will be able to work with us to bridge the digital divide. We look forward to bringing more Americans online.”