News

Analysts are optimistic about the impact of Nokia’s recent announcement of its extensive fiber electronics manufacturing facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This development is expected to address concerns in the broadband industry regarding the current Buy America requirements for federal investment.

Nokia’s collaboration with Sanmina Corporation in establishing the manufacturing facility, along with the upcoming new Corning plant, and a limited waiver of Buy America rules for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, has generated hope that BEAD subrecipients will be able to comply with Buy America mandates.

During the ceremonial announcement, Vice President Kamala Harris, accompanied by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Senator Tammy Baldwin, emphasized the importance of job creation and retaining jobs in America. Harris stated that Nokia’s hiring of up to 200 new employees and its ability to produce parts necessary for high-speed internet connections align with the Biden Administration’s goal of strengthening American manufacturing.

CEO Pekka Lundmark reaffirmed Nokia’s commitment to investing in American jobs and announced that the company plans to establish additional manufacturing plants in the future. Sanmina CEO Jure Sola expressed appreciation for their partnership with Nokia and praised the productivity of American workers.

Nokia’s decision to manufacture core electronic components for its fiber equipment in the United States is part of a broader trend. Other fiber providers, such as Corning, have also made similar investments in American manufacturing. Corning, for instance, has opened a new manufacturing campus in North Carolina focused on passive optical equipment.

The Biden Administration’s Made in America policies have inspired a wave of domestic manufacturing announcements. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Buy America provisions have particularly incentivized onshoring in the high-speed internet industry.

Industry insiders believe that the limited Buy America waiver for the BEAD program, expected to be released by the Commerce Department in late August, will contribute to the smooth implementation of the program. Failure to grant these waivers could complicate an already intricate supply chain.

In addition to the public sector investment, multiple private sector companies have also allocated funds to expand their fiber optic cable manufacturing capabilities in the United States. CommScope, for example, has invested million in expanding its U.S.-based fiber optic cable manufacturing facilities, while Prysmian has allocated million to convert a Tennessee facility for fiber optic cable production.

The Buy America requirements, which mandate that a significant portion of the materials used in federally funded programs must be manufactured in the United States, are part of the broader strategy to boost American manufacturing in various sectors, including semiconductors and green energy.

The combined efforts of both the public and private sectors have already led to over 0 billion in new domestic manufacturing investments for semiconductors, electric vehicle charging, rail manufacturing, and more, according to the White House.

The post Optimism Surrounds Nokia’s Fiber Electronics Manufacturing Facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin appeared first on ISP Today.