Nokia To Boost US Fiber Optics With AT&T & RUCKUS Networks

High-speed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s an essential component of people’s personal and professional lives.

From making phone calls to watching movies, from sending client pitch decks to making vendor payments, the internet enables a majority of business processes if not all.

To boost the infrastructure providing this crucial service, Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology and consumer electronics company Nokia is bringing its next-generation fiber optic infrastructure to the United States.

The company announced two agreements on the same day, one with American multinational telecom AT&T and the other with American network infrastructure provider CommScope’s RUCKUS Networks, which brings wired and wireless networking equipment and software to the country.

So, what are these two deals about and how will it enhance the future of fiber optics, broadband and internet connectivity in the US? Let’s explore!
 

What Is The Nokia And AT&T Deal About?

 

• Through a news release published on its website, Nokia announced that it has signed a multi-year strategic deal with AT&T to deploy next-generation fiber access technology.

• The deal will see Nokia bring its Lightspan MF and Altiplano platforms to support one of the largest fiber networks in the world.

• Nokia’s Lightspan platform enables AT&T the ability to customize and optimize its network to specific needs.

• The company will also enable fiber network upgrades to AT&T's current infrastructure across the United States, as well as provide next-generation fiber technologies for future expansion efforts.

• The move will help AT&T establish a future-ready network that addresses currently growing demand for higher-capacity broadband services.

• The infrastructure and services provided will be Build America, Buy America-compliant.

• The deal will also set in place the foundation for next-gen broadband services.

 

What Did Nokia And AT&T Executives Say?

 

• Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, said, “This collaboration is a major milestone in our mission to connect more people and businesses. Our fiber solution opens the door to a full range of PON technologies available on the same platform and fiber. This includes 10/25G PON today and eventually 50/100G PON in the future.”

• [Contd.] “Ultimately this can help operators like AT&T make the most of their existing fiber broadband networks today and in the future. Together, we're paving the way for a more connected and responsible future.”

• Chris Sambar, Head of Network at AT&T, said, “Fiber plays a crucial role in providing the foundation for the services we offer to our customers. This expansion will not only enhance broadband access for millions of customers but also sets the stage for the next wave of digital innovation, including Industry 4.0, smart cities, IoT applications and ultra-high-definition streaming.”

 

What Is The Nokia And RUCKUS Networks Collaboration About?

 

• Through a news release published on its website on the same day, Nokia announced a new collaboration with CommScope’s RUCKUS Networks.

• The partnership will see the two companies create innovative solutions that enable the seamless deployment of in-building and campus-wide connectivity.

• These services will also enable customization to fit the specific needs of diverse industry verticals.

• The deal combines Nokia’s best-in-class fiber-based Optical LAN and RUCKUS Network’s industry-leading enterprise Wi-Fi and switching solutions that will help deliver broadband service inside MDUs (Multiple Dwelling Units), offices, large venues, hospitality, medical facilities and other enterprise segments.

• Fiber offers future-proof capacity, reduced power consumption and lower total cost of ownership (TCO), which makes it a power-packed service for campus and in-building connectivity.

• By providing a single network for all services and combining with Wi-Fi, the service will help deliver robust and scalable connectivity across mobility, IoT, and digital transformation initiatives.

 

What Did Nokia And CommScope Executives Say?

 

• Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, said, “Fiber is a fantastic technology with a wide range of benefits. As an Optical LAN, it can reduce energy costs by 40% and TCO by as much as 50%.”

• [Contd.] “When combined with RUCKUS’s industry-leading Wi-Fi portfolio, we are creating a campus connectivity solution that will allow enterprises to grow their business, reduce their costs, and be more sustainable.”

• Bart Giordano, SVP and president, Networking Intelligent Cellular Security Solutions, CommScope, said, “RUCKUS Networks is the industry leader when it comes to delivering the best end-user experiences. This purpose-driven RUCKUS Wi-Fi and Nokia fiber solution will enable use cases where traditional IP-based networks are difficult to install and a simple cost-effective solution is required. This joint offering allows us an opportunity to meet the needs of a larger addressable market.”

• Giordani added, “As a single solution, we can now provide everything needed to quickly establish a LAN that can deliver fast, reliable, and secure broadband access services. It will also allow us to future-proof their networks and ensure the next generation of value-added services can be delivered easily.”

Do you think these moves by Nokia will enable it to grow its market share of the fiber optics market? Do you think its competitors need to make similar moves to remain competitive?

Let us know in the comments below!