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Nortel Networks's Overview

Total employees4079
HeadquartersMississauga
Founded1895

Nortel Networks Corporation, formerly known as Northern Telecom Limited and Northern Electric, was a multinational telecommunications and data networking equipment manufacturer headquartered in Canada. At its height, Nortel was one of the largest telecommunications equipment suppliers globally, producing a wide range of products for wireline, wireless, and enterprise networks. The company played a significant role in the development of digital switching and fiber optic transmission systems. However, following the dot-com bubble burst, an accounting scandal, and intense market competition, Nortel filed for bankruptcy protection in January 2009. Its assets were subsequently sold off to various buyers, leading to the cessation of its operations. Nortel's legacy includes its technological contributions and the significant impact its rise and fall had on the Canadian technology sector and global telecom industry.

Where is Nortel Networks's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Served as a major corporate headquarters and R&D center, overseeing significant aspects of global operations, strategy, and product development.

Notable Features:

The Mississauga campus was a large, modern facility designed to house thousands of employees, featuring extensive R&D laboratories and office spaces, characteristic of major tech campuses.

Work Culture:

Historically, Nortel was known for a strong engineering culture and innovation. It attracted top talent and was considered a prestigious place to work. In its later years, it faced challenges adapting to market changes, and internal culture was affected by financial difficulties and restructuring.

HQ Significance:

This location was central to Nortel's operations in its later years, representing its status as a global technology leader. Its presence was significant for the local economy and Canadian tech industry.

Values Reflected in HQ: The scale and technological capabilities of the headquarters facilities reflected Nortel's ambitions of global leadership and innovation in the telecommunications sector during its peak.

Location:

During its peak, Nortel Networks had a vast global presence, with operations, sales offices, and R&D centers in over 150 countries. Key functions supported globally included research and development for telecommunications hardware and software, manufacturing, sales and marketing, customer support, and professional services for telecom carriers, enterprises, and governments worldwide. Its international operations were crucial for its market leadership in areas like digital switching, optical networking, and wireless infrastructure.

Street Address:

5050 Spectrum Way

City:

Mississauga

State/Province:

Ontario

Country:

Canada

Nortel Networks's Global Presence

Richardson, Texas, USA

Address: 2300 Lakeside Boulevard, Richardson, TX 75082, USA (Former major campus)

Key hub for Nortel's operations in the United States, focusing on developing and marketing products tailored to North American service providers and enterprises.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Address: 3500 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2H 8E9, Canada (Former Carling Campus)

Central to Nortel's global research and development efforts, particularly in optical networking, carrier solutions, and fundamental telecom technologies. This campus was a cornerstone of 'Silicon Valley North'.

Harlow, Essex, United Kingdom

Address: London Road, Harlow, Essex, CM17 9NA, UK (Former major R&D and operations site)

Major hub for Nortel's EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) operations, driving research, development, and market penetration in the region.

Buying Intent Signals for Nortel Networks

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Executive Team of Nortel Networks

As of April 2025, Nortel Networks' leadership includes:

John Roth - Former President and CEO (1997-2001)
Frank Dunn - Former President and CEO (2001-2004)
William (Bill) Owens - Former President and CEO (2004-2005)
Mike Zafirovski - Former President and CEO (2005-2009)

Investors of Nortel Networks

Nortel Networks has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Publicly traded on major stock exchanges (e.g., Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange)
Historically, BCE Inc. (Bell Canada Enterprises) was a majority shareholder before Nortel became fully independent
Various institutional investors (e.g., pension funds, mutual funds, investment banks)
Retail investors

Executive New Hires/Exits in the Last 12 Months

Hire0
Exits0

Nortel Networks ceased operations following its bankruptcy in 2009 and subsequent asset sales. Therefore, there have been no executive hires or exits in the last 12 months, or for many years prior, as the company is defunct.

Technology (Tech Stack) used by Nortel Networks

Discover the tools Nortel Networks uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Nortel Networks Email Formats and Examples

Historically, Nortel Networks commonly used email formats combining the employee's first name and last name, or first initial and last name, with the '@nortel.com' domain. These formats are no longer active.

[first].[last]@nortel.com or [first_initial][last]@nortel.com

Format

john.doe@nortel.com

Example

0%

Success rate

News and media

The Globe and MailOctober 26, 2023

Nortel Networks news title: The ghost of Nortel still haunts Canada’s tech sector. Can we finally exorcise it?

A commentary piece discussing the long-lasting impact of Nortel's collapse on Canadian innovation, investment, and the psyche of the national tech industry, questioning if lessons have been fully learned....more

CBC NewsJanuary 14, 2019

Nortel Networks news title: Nortel's collapse, 10 years later: A new book explores what went wrong

Reflecting on the 10th anniversary of Nortel's bankruptcy filing, this article discusses a book exploring the causes of its downfall, including management decisions, market shifts, and the accounting scandal....more

Ottawa Business JournalMay 15, 2017

Nortel Networks news title: Federal government officially takes possession of former Nortel campus

News regarding the Canadian federal government's acquisition of Nortel's former Carling Campus in Ottawa, to be repurposed for the Department of National Defence, highlighting the afterlife of Nortel's physical assets....more

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