Nokia to set up world’s largest fixed network testbed in Chennai
The Finnish powerhouse’s hub will boost development of next-generation networks and create around 100 specialized jobs. (Photo: Bloomberg)
Soon, the global vision of blazing-fast bandwidth with ultra-fast internet access – which could revolutionize virtual reality, augmented reality and the technology landscape – will have a Chennai twist.
On Friday morning, multinational telecommunications giant Nokia will sign a deal to set up the world’s largest fixed network testbed in Chennai. The testbed will bring Nokia’s technological innovations in 10 gigabit (Gb), 25 Gb, 50 Gb and 100 Gb passive optical networks.
The centre, which entails an investment of around Rs 450 crore, will be one of Nokia’s largest research and development (R&D) labs. It will also focus on fixed wireless access and multi-dwelling solutions, as well as access networks and home controllers.
The deal will be signed on Friday morning in San Francisco in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) MK Stalin, who is on a 17-day trip to the US to attract fresh investments. This is his fifth overseas trip since Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam came to power in 2021, after visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Japan and Spain to attract investment proposals for Tamil Nadu. The Nokia centre will be located at the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu in Siruseri.
“Today, Tamil Nadu has emerged as a global destination of choice for R&D and technology services. Nokia has long been a partner in Tamil Nadu’s growth story and it is a matter of pride for us that the new facility, the largest fixed network lab within Nokia and possibly the world, will be in Chennai,” said TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu.
“This is the outcome of the CM’s groundbreaking initiatives like Naan Mudhalvan and the Tamil Nadu R&D Policy 2022, which have also resulted in unprecedented investments. It is our effort to maintain this momentum and create quality employment opportunities for our youth,” Rajaa added.
The Finnish powerhouse will boost the development of next-generation networks and create around 100 specialized jobs.
The Tamil Nadu government will provide Nokia with essential infrastructure, regulatory and policy support in line with existing policies. This partnership reinforces Chennai’s strategic importance in Nokia’s global operations and underscores the region’s growing prominence as a hub for technology innovation, a government source said.
Stalin will also visit Chicago, where he will work with several multinationals. Stalin’s previous visits to the UAE, Singapore, Japan and Spain attracted investment proposals totaling Rs 10,882 crore through 17 MoUs, which are expected to create over 18,500 jobs. Of the 17 projects, five worth Rs 990 crore have already been put into production.
Before leaving for the US, Stalin said that since his government took over, the state has seen around 872 investment deals with a cumulative investment of Rs 9.99 trillion, which has created around 1.89 million jobs. Of those 872 projects, 234 have already gone into production.
At a Global Investors Meet in January this year, the state saw investment commitments totaling around Rs 6.6 trillion, of which projects worth Rs 59,454 crore were reportedly realised.
First publication: Aug 30, 2024 | 04:10 AM IST