Nokia’s first Build America, Buy America-compliant products have come off the manufacturing line of a Sanmina facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wis. The products are optical line terminal (OLT) cards that are used in fiber networks.
The Build America, Buy America requirements require entities receiving government funding for certain programs, including certain broadband infrastructure programs, to use equipment that is primarily built in the United States.
Nokia said in a press announcement today that it is the first technology vendor to have Buy America-compliant products now ready for this purpose. The OLT cards will be used in the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the company said.
“As leaders in broadband, we’re excited to announce a significant milestone: our Buy America-compliant products are now rolling off the production line, giving BEAD applicants and infrastructure providers access to technology that will be critical to bridging the digital divide,” Sandy Motley, Nokia’s president of fixed networks at Nokia, said in a prepared statement.
“By aligning with Buy America guidelines, we’re actively contributing to the U.S. government’s mission of expanding nationwide broadband access.”
Nokia announced its plans for the Sanmina project last August. In addition to OLT cards, the companies stated that they planned to manufacture a small-form-factor OLT, OLT optical modules, and an outdoor-hardened optical network terminal (ONT).
While Nokia was one of the first companies to announce compliance with Buy America requirements, others also say they comply. For instance, AFL is manufacturing fiber optic cabling and connectivity equipment that, according to the company, is compliant with Build America, Buy America requirements. The company said earlier this month that it is investing $50 million to expand its manufacturing operations in South Carolina to support that initiative.
At least five companies say they will follow Build America, Buy America guidelines in manufacturing fiber cable. They are Prysmian, Corning, Commscope, Superior Essex and STL.
In addition to Nokia, fiber broadband communications equipment vendors who will comply include Adtran, DZS and Calix. Bekaert is providing guy strands for aerial installations.
In February, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued the final Limited General Applicability Nonavailability Waiver of the Buy America Domestic Content Procurement Preference as Applied to Recipients of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding. The waiver relaxes requirements somewhat.
