The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has announced funding opportunities of up to $450 million to promote software-based open radio access network, or open RAN, innovations.
The funding program will support the development of applications that could advance the adoption of open and interoperable wireless networks, NTIA said Tuesday. It aims to introduce new open RAN-enabled revenue streams and reduce the cost of equipment integration.
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Advancing US Global Tech Leadership
The federal funding initiative is expected to advance wireless software innovations, create new opportunities for U.S. businesses and make them more competitive, according to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Wireless innovation is a key piece of America’s global technology leadership,” she noted.
Accelerating Adoption of Mobile Network Systems
This third round of funding opportunity from the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund seeks to design software that uses open RAN innovations to provide greater value for utilities, mining and manufacturing activities. It also wants to develop new capabilities that would reduce the cost and complexity of multi-vendor integration through automation.
By funding efforts to introduce software-enabled open RAN offerings, the program intends to accelerate the adoption of mobile network architecture that employs open, interoperable and standards-based equipment to encourage competition and innovation, NTIA noted.
The government will accept applications for the funding grants until March 17, 2025.