Intelligent CIO North America Issue 50 | Page 16

NEWS

Nokia signs strategic deal with AT & T to accelerate future-ready fiber broadband growth

Nokia has signed a multi-year agreement with AT & T to deploy next-generation fiber access technology .

Under this agreement , Nokia will provide its Lightspan MF and Altiplano platforms to support one of the largest fiber networks in the world .
The five-year deal will include fiber network upgrades to AT & T ’ s current footprint and next-generation fiber technologies for future network expansions and is Build America , Buy America-compliant .
Sandy Motley , President of Fixed Networks , Nokia , said : “ Our fiber solution opens the door to a full range of PON technologies available on the same platform and fiber . This includes 10 / 25G PON and eventually 50 / 100G PON in the future . Ultimately this can help operators like AT & T make the most of their existing fiber broadband networks . Together , we ’ re paving the way for a more connected and responsible future .”
This strategic collaboration represents a significant milestone , establishing the network foundation essential for the next generation of broadband services .
Designed to support a range of next-generation PON technologies Nokia ’ s Lightspan platform gives AT & T the choice and flexibility to optimize its network to its specific business case and needs . Nokia ’ s Altiplano Access Controller will also help drive higher levels of automation in AT & T ’ s network and service operations .
Chris Sambar , Head of Network , AT & T , said : “ This expansion will not only enhance broadband access for millions of customers but also sets the stage for the next wave of digital innovation , including Industry 4.0 , smart cities , IoT applications and ultra-high-definition streaming .

Astrion completes acquisition of Axient

engineering , and digital solutions . Customers can expect more robust and versatile solutions designed to meet the dynamic needs of today ’ s global environment .
“ We are thrilled to welcome Axient ’ s talented team to Astrion ,” said Dave Zolet , CEO , Astrion . “ The dedication and expertise of our combined workforce are fundamental to our success and mission to Be the Difference . Together , we will leverage our collective strengths to drive innovation and deliver results with impact for our customers .”
“ We are excited about the value and benefits of scale this acquisition will create for Astrion and its customers ,” said Michael Singer , Partner , Brightstar . “ We believe Astrion is positioned to drive substantial growth and deliver exceptional outcomes for its customers across the federal government .”

Astrion , a leading provider of mission support and advanced engineering services to the US government , has completed its acquisition of Axient , a highly regarded provider of specialized engineering and solutions . Astrion is a portfolio company of Brightstar Capital Partners ( Brightstar ) – a middle-market private equity firm .

The acquisition enhances Astrion ’ s suite of services , addressing critical challenges across cybersecurity , mission support , systems
Astrion pitches itself as a ‘ partner for progress ’ providing cuttingedge services that boost preparedness , optimize performance , and ensure mission success for defense and federal agencies , including the Army , Air Force , Civilian Agencies , Navy and Space .
Axient is a systems integrator advancing defense and civil missions from aerospace to cyberspace with multi-domain test and analysis , mission engineering and operations and advanced technologies .
16 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com