Nokia goes big, BEAD friendly with network-in-a-box 2.0

Nokia is broadening its horizons with a new version of its network-in-a-box solution, adding new components into the mix and making its kit scalable to meet the needs of medium-sized operators in addition to small ones. Executives said that certain equipment included in the box will also comply with the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment's (BEAD) Buy American requirements – at least, once its newly announced US manufacturing facility starts pumping out products in early 2024. The vendor first unveiled its network-in-a-box product in June 2022, customizing the kit for small and rural operators looking to deploy to around 1,000 homes at a clip. But the new version can support significantly larger networks.