News
The companies say that the deal will “accelerate future-ready fibre broadband growth” across the US
Nokia has signed a multi-year deal with AT&T to help upgrade and expand its fibre network.
Over the next five years, Nokia will supply AT&T with fixed broadband equipment to improve its current infrastructure and support future network growth. Nokia’s solutions will also help automate AT&T’s network operations.
“Fibre 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,” said Chris Sambar, Head of Network at AT&T in the announcement.
“Our fibre solution opens the door to a full range of PON technologies available on the same platform and fibre,” said Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia.
“This includes 10/25G PON today and eventually 50/100G PON in the future. Ultimately this can help operators like AT&T make the most of their existing fibre broadband networks today and in the future. Together, we’re paving the way for a more connected and responsible future,” she continued.
Just nine months ago, Nokia lost out to rival equipment maker Ericsson when AT&T selected the latter as their Open RAN equipment supplier. The $14 billion deal will result in Nokia equipment in AT&T’s network being replaced with Ericsson tech in certain areas, with the new Open RAN gear aiming to carry 70% of AT&T’s wireless traffic by the end of 2026..
This major loss contributed to recent rumours that Nokia was considering selling or spinning off its mobile networks business, which could be valued at around $10 billion, with Samsung mentioned as a potential buyer. Speaking to Bloomberg, people familiar with the matter said the interest has come “amid increasing pressure to find new growth in the troubled telecom equipment sector.”
Nokia has been quick to quash these rumours, saying that its mobile network business remains a core part of its overall strategy.
Join Nokia at next week’s Connected Britain, 11-12 September in London. Get last minute discounted tickets here.
Also in the news:
Coastguard’s emergency network gets an upgrade from Telent
AT&T fined nearly $1m over 911 failings
How will the CityFibre–Sky deal really affect BT?