Nokia has won a $45 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.
The fund is a 10-year, $1.5 billion program advancing open wireless network technologies. The grant will improve Nokia’s existing investment in U.S.-based R&D with funds awarded to further strengthen capabilities in Open RAN, the company said.
The awarded funds will also accelerate Nokia’s efforts to drive the development of open and interoperable wireless communication networks, focusing on performance, resiliency and security.
“Nokia is honored to receive this grant, which underscores our dedication to pioneering advancements in wireless technology,” said Ed Alfonso, head of mobile networks, Americas at Nokia. “This funding will further enhance our R&D capabilities in Illinois and Texas, boosting our market-leading Open RAN offering and supporting the industry’s transition to more open and flexible wireless networks.”
This grant strengthens Nokia and Nokia Bell Labs’ commitment to U.S.-based R&D, and reinforces their role in driving technological advancement and supporting America’s advanced wireless communications market.