Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) says it is pairing fiber to the home (FTTH) connectivity technology from Corning Inc. with PON technology from Nokia to create an “FTTH kit” for rural and regional network deployments. The distributor believes the combined offering will make life easier for smaller operators who may take advantage of federal initiatives such as the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to upgrade and expand their broadband networks.
The collaboration sees Corning supplying elements of its FlexNAP outside plant fiber cable and connectivity portfolio, making Wesco the first distributor to partner with Corning on the creation of an FTTH kit. Corning asserts that use of the FlexNAP technology can speed deployments by up to 5X while reducing costs by up to 30%. Wesco also will have access to the Nokia Network in a Box products, which include optical line terminals (OLTs), optical network terminals (ONTs), software licenses, support, and in-home WiFi gateways (see “Nokia targets ‘network-in-a-box’ for broadband builders in a hurry”). The combined resources will support deployment of FTTH to up to 1000 homes. Ur Connector
“Wesco continues to focus on helping our customers streamline their supply chains to speed fiber network builds globally, as well as rural broadband deployments throughout North America,” said Rick Arsenault, vice president and general manager, global service providers and broadband for Wesco. “By partnering with Corning and Nokia, and their innovative FlexNAP and Network in a Box solutions, we continue to accelerate connectivity to those in underserved areas as well as those fiber networks supporting 24/7/365 connectivity.”
“Smaller operators have a big part to play in bringing high-speed connections to more people and more communities,” added Steve Mitchell, senior vice president, carrier networks, at Corning Optical Communications. “Corning is proud to work with Wesco and Nokia to give operators of rural and regional networks everything they need to bring fiber to homes more quickly as we work together to connect the unconnected.”
“Broadband is an essential service for the success and prosperity of our communities and nation. As the U.S. Government commits to historic funding efforts for delivering broadband to underserved families, Nokia has formed a strategic partnership with Wesco and Corning to create an incredible ecosystem that allows any size operator to confidently build a carrier-grade network utilizing best-in-class technology from Nokia and Corning,” said Shaun McCarthy, president, North America sales at Nokia. “The partnership also means best-in-class delivery, using our ‘Network in a Box’ concept that accelerates deployments and provides consistent and expedited equipment supply chain performance.”
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