Nokia is partnering with Fabrinet, a global manufacturer of highly precise optical products, to produce multi-rate optical modules at Fabrinet’s state-of-the-art facility in Santa Clara, California. Production, which will start in 2024, will support solutions offered under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
The announcement builds on Nokia’s previous decision to produce fiber-optic broadband network electronic products in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, said: “Many in the industry have said that manufacturing optical modules in the U.S. was impossible. Today, we’re proving it can be done. Working alongside the Department of Commerce and Fabrinet, we’re excited to add optical modules to the list of technology solutions that will be produced here in the U.S. and become available to programs like BEAD which are so critical to bridging the digital divide.”
Harpal Gill, President and COO of Fabrinet, said: “Fabrinet specializes in manufacturing complex, precision optical and electro-optical products used in telecommunications networks and data centers. As a trusted partner of the world’s most demanding OEMs, we are excited to help bring the production of Nokia’s optical modules to the U.S. and support their efforts to bridge the digital divide. We’re pleased to partner with Nokia in order to help provide high-speed fiber broadband access to more people, homes and communities.”
