Nokia Launches Its Largest Fixed Networks R&D Lab

Nokia (NYSE: NOK) has opened its largest global R&D facility for fixed networks in Siruseri, Chennai, a major IT and technology hub in the southern India state of Tamil Nadu, The Economic Times reported. The facility aims to create over 200 high-end jobs. Nokia employs nearly 1,000 engineers in Tamil Nadu and has commercial deals with India’s leading mobile network operators including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea for 5G RAN, according to Inside Towers Intelligence.

Nokia’s initial investment in the facility is nearly $30 million from the original estimate of $24 million, with an additional $33 million planned for a second phase, according to The Economic Times. The R&D lab will focus on advanced broadband technologies and serve as a global testbed for innovations in 10G, 25G, 50G and 100G optical networks, fixed wireless access and other technologies. Nokia’s expansion follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Tamil Nadu government.

The company says the new R&D facility will support development in its Network Infrastructure product line that accounted for $9.5 billion or 40 percent of Nokia’s $23.7 billion total sales in 2025. Network Infrastructure is the company’s fastest growing business unit with global sales up 23 percent year-over-year. Nokia reported total R&D investment of $5.8 billion or 24 percent of 2025 sales, up from $5.4 billion or 23 percent of sales in 2024.

By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor