Nokia Collaborates with Fabrinet to Manufacture Optical Modules in California

Nokia announced that it is the first telecommunications supplier to produce fiber optic broadband optical modules in the United States for the Broadband Fair Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Nokia will collaborate with Fabinet, a global manufacturer of high-precision optical products, to produce multi rate optical modules at Fabinet’s advanced factory in Santa Clara, California. Production will begin in 2024 and bring additional high-tech employment opportunities to the country. Nokia had previously decided to produce fiber optic broadband network electronics in Kinosha, Wisconsin.
Optical modules are key high-tech components of fiber optic broadband networks. They convert electrical signals into light, and vice versa, which is crucial for connecting homes to high-speed, gigabit broadband. By producing these optical modules in the United States, Nokia continues to expand its list of products and solutions, launching usage beads or other funding for the network. States and infrastructure participants sought to participate in broadband broadband programs and allocated $4.45 billion in available funds to underserved and underserved communities, which were required to use equipment made in the United States.

Operators seeking to bridge the digital divide with BEAD funds can now deploy using the latest cutting-edge technologies. Today, over 70% of fiber optic broadband lines in North America are provided by Nokia. By using multi rate optical modules and products, operators can easily upgrade their speed from 1 Gig to Multi Gig. Combining Nokia’s award-winning 25G solution with research on 100G technology, this ensures that the fiber optic network being built by operators can meet the needs of future generations of users.
Many industry insiders say it is impossible to manufacture optical modules in the United States. Today, we have proven that this can be done. We are pleased to collaborate with the Department of Commerce and Fabrite to add optical modules to the list of technology solutions produced in the United States and provide support for projects like BEAD, which is crucial for bridging the digital divide.”

Harpal Gill, President and Chief Operating Officer of Fabricet, stated: “Fabricet specializes in manufacturing complex, precision optical and optoelectronic products for telecommunications networks and data centers. As a trusted partner in the world’s most demanding OEMs, we are pleased to help bring Nokia’s optical module production to the United States and support their efforts to bridge the digital divide. We are pleased to collaborate with Nokia to provide high-speed fiber broadband access to more people, homes, and communities.”