Nokia will supply an end-to-end fiber broadband network for SkyFiber, targeting underserved communities across Northern Nevada under a project partially funded by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The greenfield deployment is set to begin in mid-April and aims to extend high-speed, reliable connectivity to thousands of households lacking access to modern broadband infrastructure.
The deployment integrates Nokia’s full network stack, including optical transport, IP edge routing, and fixed access technologies, with VarData serving as the systems integrator and deployment partner. The architecture spans Nokia’s 7750 SR Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) and 7250 IXR routers for IP routing, Lightspan MF-2 OLTs and ONTs for fiber access, Beacon Wi-Fi devices for in-home connectivity, and the 1830 PSS DWDM platform for middle-mile transport.
SkyFiber selected a single-vendor approach to streamline deployment and operations while ensuring consistent performance across the network. The company plans to establish a scalable, future-ready fiber infrastructure capable of supporting long-term regional growth and positioning itself as a statewide broadband provider.
- BEAD-funded project targets underserved communities in Northern Nevada
- Nokia provides end-to-end network stack: IP routing, optical transport, and fiber access
- VarData handles integration, deployment, and ongoing support
- Deployment includes 7750 SR BNG, 7250 IXR routers, Lightspan MF-2 OLTs, ONTs, Beacon Wi-Fi, and 1830 PSS DWDM
- Greenfield build expected to begin mid-April with plans for statewide expansion
- Nokia portfolio complies with Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements
“This project allows us to bring high-speed, reliable broadband to underserved communities in Nevada,” said Garry Gomes, President of SkyFiber. “Building with scalable, top-tier infrastructure from day one future-proofs our network and positions SkyFiber for long-term growth across the region.”
🌐 Analysis: The BEAD program is accelerating fiber overbuilds in rural and underserved U.S. markets, favoring vendors like Nokia that can deliver integrated, BABA-compliant solutions across the full network stack. Nokia’s single-vendor positioning competes directly with multi-vendor ecosystems led by Cisco and Adtran, while aligning with operator demand for simplified deployment and lifecycle management in cost-sensitive rural builds.
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