Nokia has announced the expansion of its Fixed Networks R&D facility in Chennai, supported by the Tamil Nadu government.
This new lab will be one of Nokia’s largest globally and the biggest for its Fixed Networks division, highlighting the company’s commitment to advancing technologies that bridge the digital divide and connect underserved regions.
Key Areas of Focus
The expanded facility will bolster Nokia’s work on 10G, 25G, 50G, and 100G PON technologies, Fixed Wireless Access, Wi-Fi, and MDU solutions, as well as access networks and home controllers. This investment will enhance Nokia’s technological innovations and capabilities in these areas.
Support from Tamil Nadu Government
The Tamil Nadu government has played a crucial role in this expansion by providing essential infrastructure, regulatory, and policy support. This collaboration highlights Chennai’s growing significance as a technological hub and its strategic importance in Nokia’s global operations.
Formal Agreement
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to formalize the expansion, with the agreement exchanged between Guidance Tamil Nadu and Nokia.
The signing ceremony was attended by M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Dr. T. R. B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu, in San Francisco, California, USA.
Speaking at the event, Dr. T. R. B. Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu, said:
Today, Tamil Nadu has become a leading global destination for R&D and technology services. Nokia’s long-standing partnership with Tamil Nadu is a point of pride, and it is significant that this new facility—Nokia’s largest fixed network lab globally—will be in Chennai.
This achievement is a testament to the transformative initiatives of Honourable Chief Minister Thiru. M. K. Stalin, such as Naan Mudhalvan and the Tamil Nadu R&D Policy 2022, which have driven substantial investments. We aim to maintain this momentum and create high-value employment opportunities for our youth.
Speaking at the event about the expansion, Vimalkumar Kothandaraman, Head of Fixed Networks for Asia Pacific at Nokia, said:
Our R&D presence in Chennai is crucial to our Fixed Networks strategy. This investment underscores our commitment to both India and global technological advancements and enables us to tap into the region’s rich talent pool. This MoU strengthens our partnership with the Tamil Nadu government to drive innovations in the telecom industry and expand our world-class R&D hub in Chennai.