Nokia Siemens sells fixed-line broadband access unit to Adtran

Nokia Siemens Networks said yesterday it was in the process of selling its fixed-line broadband access business to Adtran, the latest in a series of sell-offs.

''We believe that this planned divestment would provide our existing fixed broadband access customers with a continuous high-quality service from a company focused on their needs,'' Marc Rouanne, head of Mobile Broadband at Nokia Siemens Networks, said in a statement. ''The planned sale is in line with our new strategy to increase our focus on the mobile broadband and services market.''

Under the deal, up to 400 engineering, R&D, sales and professional services staff would move to Adtran. The financial details of the deal are yet to be disclosed.

Nokia Siemens' portfolio includes DSL and GPON (Gigabit passive optical networking) products. The agreement also contains provisions for inclusion of Adtran's products in Nokia Siemens' offerings.

With the acquisition of Nokia Siemens' unit, Adtran plans to expand its business beyond the US, which today accounts for a mere 10.6 per cent of its revenue, according to Gary Bolton, Adtrans vice president of global marketing.

According to the companies, the deal would be expected to close by the end of April 2012.