- The deal, partially funded through the U.S. BEAD program, will bring fast, secure, and reliable connectivity to underserved communities in Northern Nevada.
- Nokia’s optical transport, IP routing, and fixed access solutions, with VarData’s network integration, will serve as the basis of SkyFiber’s fiber network.
- The greenfield fiber network, expected to start in mid-April, will establish SkyFiber as a leading regional broadband provider with a statewide footprint.
April 14, 2026
Reno, Nevada, US — Nokia today announced it has been selected by SkyFiber to deliver fast, secure, and reliable connectivity for underserved households in Northern Nevada that will improve quality of life and enable municipalities to attract and retain businesses.
Nokia’s optical transport, IP/edge routing and fixed access solutions will allow SkyFiber, the largest recipient in Nevada of the U.S. Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funding, to reach thousands of households in communities that have historically lacked access to reliable high-speed internet.
VarData, a leading American telecommunications digital infrastructure provider, will drive the network integration, deployment expertise, and ongoing support as Nokia’s partner, in the region.
SkyFiber will deliver a reliable and high-quality network, built with future-proof fiber infrastructure that can scale as the demands of the region grow. This is transformational for the communities and shows the pivotal role of high-speed broadband in driving digital inclusion. SkyFiber is on track to serve a significant customer base upon full deployment, validating both the market demand and the viability of BEAD-backed fiber buildouts in rural markets.
“This project allows us to bring high-speed, reliable broadband to underserved communities in Nevada. With Nokia and VarData, we will deliver the connectivity our residents and businesses need to thrive in today’s digital economy. Building with scalable, top-tier infrastructure from day one future-proofs our network and positions SkyFiber for long-term growth across the region,” said Garry Gomes, President, SkyFiber.
“VarData is proud to partner with Nokia and Sky Fiber on this project. Bringing Nokia’s end-to-end network portfolio to an underserved region requires the right partner, the right technology, and the right execution. We are proud to stand beside Nokia and Sky Fiber in delivering a network that will transform daily life for Nevada residents”, said Jeff Coke, President, VarData.
“High-quality broadband is an essential part of how people access opportunity — advancing connectivity to secure a more connected world is central to Nokia’s mission. Together with VarData, we are delivering an end-to-end network solution for SkyFiber with seamless performance across every layer of infrastructure. This deployment will connect underserved communities in Northern Nevada, supporting access to the social and economic benefits of high-quality broadband,” said Matt Young, Head of Regional Providers and Enterprise for North America, Nokia.
The Nokia portfolio deployed across the SkyFiber network will span the full infrastructure stack: 7750 SR Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) and 7250 IXR Series routers for IP edge routing; OLTs (Lightspan MF-2) and a full range of ONTs for fixed access; Nokia Beacon Wi-Fi devices (Beacon 2, 6, and 10) for in-home connectivity; and the Nokia 1830 PSS DWDM platform for middle-mile optical transport. This single-vendor, integrated approach — covering every layer from core to home — was a decisive factor in SkyFiber’s selection, eliminating the complexity and performance variability of multi-vendor solutions while ensuring end-to-end accountability.
Nokia has a deep commitment to closing the digital divide in rural America. With its network scale and expertise, Nokia provides 7 out of 10 ports in the US that are used in rural broadband deployments. Nokia’s portfolio is fully compliant with Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements, making it a trusted choice for BEAD projects. Nokia has helped telecommunication providers across the United States deliver high-quality broadband to underserved communities, creating new growth opportunities for the regions they serve.
Resources and additional information:
Webpage: Nokia Optical networks
Webpage: Broadband Infrastructure for Community Broadband Providers
Webpage: Nokia Build America Buy America (BABA) certification
Webpage: 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS)
Webpage: 7250 Interconnect Routers
Webpage: Nokia WiFi Beacons
About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile, and transport networks we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
About VarData
VarData has been a trusted partner in the telecommunications industry since 2004. Specialized in digital infrastructure, the company provides North American broadband operators with the critical hardware and expertise needed to connect communities. By leveraging its status as a Nokia Expert Partner, VarData simplifies the complexities of deploying Nokia’s industry-leading Optical, IP and Broadband Access portfolios, ensuring clients receive both cutting-edge technology and personalized support.
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