FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced that the U.S. telecommunications regulator will host an OpenRAN showcase next month.
OpenRAN is one of the industry’s most promising developments. By enabling interoperable equipment and open interfaces, OpenRAN gives carriers greater flexibility and helps them avoid vendor lock-in.
Governments are increasingly supporting OpenRAN because having multiple vendors in a network can improve security. This stance has strengthened in many Western countries following recent geopolitical events that highlighted risks associated with a small number of dominant equipment suppliers.
Rosenworcel commented:
“OpenRAN can help drive 5G security, innovation, and vendor diversity in the United States.
This showcase is an opportunity to jump-start U.S. innovation in this critical technology and to build on our strengths in network infrastructure and software.”
The decision by several governments to restrict equipment from Huawei over national security concerns underscored the risks of depending on a handful of suppliers. Removing and replacing Huawei gear from networks worldwide proved costly and contributed to delays in some 5G deployments.
On June 29, the FCC will host a webcast where fixed and mobile network operators can hear from vendors offering interoperable, standards-based 5G equipment and services. The event will focus on solutions that are ready for purchase and installation by January 1, 2022, or sooner.
“By making information about OpenRAN more readily available and by connecting the various stakeholders invested in this technology, we are making sure companies can continue to innovate and we are encouraging network operators to invest in network security,” Rosenworcel added.
“If we do these things right, we have an opportunity to build a bigger market for more secure 5G equipment.”
The showcase is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. ET and will be available to view via the FCC’s live webcast.
(Image Credit: FCC)
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