Nokia says that it will self-certify a number of products as being manufactured in the United States and okay to use in the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
The self-certifications are mandated by the requirements of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act. Nokia says it is the first vendor to have completed self-certification.
The Nokia press release links to a webpage that lists 21 products that it has certified. The FX and MF OLT modular product lines, the SF-8M sealed OLT, and the XS-220X-A ONT were highlighted in the press release.
“We are excited to announce yet another milestone in our BEAD journey,” said Sandy Motley, Nokia’s President of Fixed Networks. “As a certified vendor, we can now provide BEAD applicants with a certification letter that’s become essential for applications and BABA reporting requirements. It also provides the confidence and assurance several need to submit product orders today without fear of being out of compliance.”
Late last month, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a framework under which vendors can meet BABA requirements. BABA was part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Products that are self-certified are added to a page on the Department of Commerce’s website. Certification requires an officer of the company to attest to compliance. False self-certification can lead to fines or imprisonment, according to Nokia.
It’s not surprising that the amount of money on the table is driving participants to pay attention to the integrity of the process. Self-certification for the BABA requirements is one example. Another is the National Broadband Map, which is used in determining BEAD funding eligibility. The FCC recently updated its speed test app in hopes it will improve the accuracy of the map. In June, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) called for local governmental leaders, nonprofits and Tribal entities to get involved in the rebuttal process to ensure that the map is correct.
