Norcross, GA – Today, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alan Davidson will travel to OFS’s headquarters in Norcross, GA with U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) to celebrate the announcement of new jobs and increased domestic production of optical fiber and fiber optic cable thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requires the use of Made in America construction materials and products for federally funded infrastructure projects, including high-speed Internet service equipment, under the Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.
As a result of the Build America, Buy America Act and the Internet for All programs, OFS has announced it will create 100 jobs, including union jobs, and expand its U.S. production of fiber for use in connecting locations across the U.S. to reliable high-speed Internet service.
“Thanks to President Biden’s commitment to American manufacturing, we are building America’s Internet networks with equipment made by American workers,” said Secretary Raimondo. “Today’s announcement from OFS is the most recent example of how the President’s Investing in America agenda is helping create jobs in Georgia and boosting U.S. fiber production to connect everyone in the U.S. to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service.”
“Last year I announced a historic $1.3 billion federal investment to expand broadband across Georgia through investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I was proud to push the Administration for this new waiver that will enable Georgia-based companies like OFS Fitel to help power the broadband revolution coming to our state and country,” said Senator Reverend Warnock (D-GA). “This latest announcement, which will help create over 100 new Georgia jobs, will allow OFS Fitel to help lead the nation in manufacturing the necessary broadband fiber that will connect communities to high-speed Internet, increase competition and lower prices, and protect and create good-paying jobs in Georgia. Thanks to our work and the leadership and cooperation of Secretary Raimondo, Georgia is not only continuing to reap the rewards of this bipartisan legislation but is also doing the work to make it a reality for folks across the state and nation.”
“Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, the Internet for All initiative is jumpstarting manufacturing operations across the country,” said Alan Davidson Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator. “Because of this federal investment into reliable Internet networks, companies like OFS are stepping up to meet the demand and creating good-paying jobs in the process.”
In February 2024, NTIA announced the majority of fiber broadband equipment for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program —including optical fiber, fiber optic cable, key electronics, and enclosures— will be made in the United States.
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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.