Communications distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions specialist Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) announced that it is collaborating with Corning and Nokia to help accelerate and simplify last-mile broadband deployments in rural and regional networks.
As noted by the partners, public investment in broadband is accelerating, as governments look to address the digital divide through initiatives such as the $42 billion federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. These initiatives present significant opportunities for thousands of small, regional network operators – and yet these operators have been among those most affected by global supply-chain challenges, which can put projects at risk.
Now, the collaboration between Wesco, Corning and Nokia will provide rural and regional network operators with industry-leading quality paired reliable supply, as stated by the firms.
As stated in a press release, Wesco will be the first distributor to launch a new fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) kit featuring Corning's FlexNAP components. The Corning product, with its passive optical components, complements the active components in Nokia's co-included Network in a Box solution, announced in June and distributed via Wesco.
By stocking both products, Wesco now offers components, software and services for last-mile networks reaching up to 1,000 homes.
“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, VP and GM, 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.”
FlexNAP is billed by Corning as the cabling platform pioneered by the company that ushered in the era of FTTH.
“Smaller operators have a big part to play in bringing high-speed connections to more people and more communities,” pointed out Steve Mitchell, SVP, Carrier Networks, 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.”
By eliminating splicing in the field and providing an end-to-end passive infrastructure, Corning contends the FlexNAP system allows operators to complete projects up to 5x faster, claims the company, "and significantly reduces the need for skilled labor," according to a press release. The partners further contend that operators can deploy with up to 30% lower total cost than other FTTH solutions by combining FlexNAP with Nokia’s Network in a Box platform. Wesco will be the first distributor of the combined active and passive solutions from Corning and Nokia.
“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,” conclude3d Shaun McCarthy, president of 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.”