Nokia Is Committed To Buy America Compliance
Access to broadband is a fundamental necessity in today’s ever-connected, digital-first world. In addition to making things like work, education, and healthcare more accessible than ever, broadband access and utilization result in increased property values, more job opportunities (and lower unemployment), population expansion, and elevated rates of entrepreneurial ventures. These outcomes and broadband’s profound influence on health and social welfare have prompted the US government to allocate over $90 billion through diverse federal funding mechanisms to bridge the digital divide. The bulk of federal funding designated for the rural broadband initiative is contingent upon adherence to the Build America, Buy America Act.
Nokia, a leading global telecommunications corporation, boasts a rich history of investment in America and is the first company to unveil intentions to produce Buy America-compliant network equipment vital to broadband expansions.
The Buy America, Build America Act (BABA)
Build America, Buy America is a key aspect of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), including BEAD, which aims to ensure that materials used in construction projects funded by the government, such as roads and bridges, are manufactured in the United States.
The specific “Buy America” component entails two key criteria:
- Equipment must be manufactured in the US.
- 55% of the total cost of components must originate from US sources.
This directive encompasses various products like iron, steel, factory-made goods, and construction materials and stems from a commitment to fortifying our nation internally.
By prioritizing the domestic production and procurement of infrastructure components, several objectives will hopefully be achieved:
Job Creation
Prioritizing domestic industries increases job opportunities within our communities. Investments in high-speed Internet infrastructure improve connectivity and contribute to the growth of American employment.
Economic Resilience
The nation’s resilience during global disruptions is bolstered by diminishing reliance on foreign supply chains. This approach ensures that crucial broadband networks remain resilient and dependable, even in challenging times.
Empowerment of Local Businesses
The initiative empowers local businesses to play a significant role in advancing our nation’s digital expansion, fostering economic growth and prosperity at the local level.
Nokia’s Dedication to Rural America
In response to the rigorous regulations of the Build America Buy America Act, Nokia has embarked on substantial measures to ensure compliance. The organization has pledged to relocate the manufacturing of several fiber broadband products to the United States. These products have been chosen for their performance, cost efficiency, and adaptability, rendering them optimal selections for potential recipients of the BEAD program.
Among the products encompassed by this manufacturing initiative are:
Optical Line Termination (OLT) card for a modular Access Node
An “outdoor-hardened” Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
A compact form factor OLT
OLT optical modules
Compliant with Buy America standards, these products are available as part of Nokia’s Network-in-a-box program, crafted to streamline broadband deployments.
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