The National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), representing more than 700 U.S. cable and broadband operators, is partnering with Nokia to expedite service rollouts and expansions. Telecompetitor reported that the deal, announced last Thursday, will make Nokia equipment available to NCTC members, who provide service to about 15 million consumers.
Many NCTC members are smaller providers located in rural, underserved areas. Some members received funds from the Phase I Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction; winning bidders will require a substantial amount of broadband equipment to support their buildouts, reported Telecompetitor.
Nokia agreed to provide NCTC members with tailored fiber solutions and access to “premier service programs.” According to Sandy Motley, president, Nokia Fixed Networks division, “we expect our agreement will expand to include a full range of fixed and wireless network solutions.”
NCTC has been ramping up partnerships with broadband and Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) hardware and software vendors, according to Telecompetitor. NCTC senior director of procurement, Rob Smith, said the organization is excited to establish a partnership with the technology leader. “Nokia is the only NCTC partner that currently offers a 25G symmetrical PON solution, and its complete wired and wireless service portfolio is cutting edge,” he added.
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