Nokia to set up world's largest fixed network testbed in Chennai

Soon, the global vision of blazing-fast bandwidth with ultra-high-speed internet access — which could revolutionise virtual reality, augmented reality, and the technology landscape — will get a Chennai touch. On Friday morning, multinational telecommunications giant Nokia is set to sign a deal to establish the world’s largest fixed network testbed in Chennai. This testbed will spearhead Nokia’s technological innovations in 10 gigabit (G), 25G, 50G, and 100G passive optical networks. The centre, involving an investment of about Rs 450 crore, will be one of Nokia’s largest research and development (R&D) laboratories (labs). It will also focus on fixed wireless access, and multi-dwelling unit solutions, as well as access networks and home controllers. The deal will be signed in San Francisco on Friday morning in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) M K Stalin, who is on a 17-day trip to the US to attract fresh investments. This is his fifth overseas trip since the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam came to power in 2021, following visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Japan, and Spain to attract investment proposals for Tamil Nadu. The Nokia centre will be established at the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu in Siruseri.