Open RAN Policy Coalition aims to further development of interoperable RAN solutions

The Open RAN Policy Coalition has officially launched. First envisioned earlier this year, the group’s main goal is to “advocate for government policies supporting the development and adoption of open and interoperable solutions in the Radio Access Network.”

“We are in the midst of technological revolution, where personal and professional activities that could previously only be conducted on computers, are now managed on our cell phones. As we deploy 5G technology this will shift even further by enabling enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency communications and the massive Internet of Things.  An essential part of this revolution is the rapid implementation and sanctity of 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) technology,” the Open RAN Policy Coalition stated on their website.

The coalition hopes that by opening up the protocol and interfaces between RAN subcomponents, the industry can move to a place where networks are deployed with a modular design and aren’t dependent on specific vendors. 

It will promote policies that support global deployment of interoperable wireless technologies, signal government support for such technologies, use government procurement to support vendor diversity, fund research and development, remove barriers to 5G deployment, and avoid heavy-handed solutions. 

The Open RAN Policy Coalition is launching with 31 members including Airspan, Altiostar, AWS, AT&T, Cisco, CommScope, Dell, DISH Network, Facebook, Fujitsu, Google, IBM, Intel, Juniper Networks, Mavenir, Microsoft, NEC Corporation, NewEdge Signal Solutions, NTT, Oracle, Parallel Wireless, Qualcomm, Rakuten, Samsung Electronics America, Telefonica, US Ignite, Verizon, VMWare, Vodafone, World Wide Technology, and XCOM-Labs.   

“Open, interoperable and modular approaches are being viewed as the foundation for ensuring security, growing supply chain diversity and innovation in the ecosystem of vendors that build our mobile networks. Open RAN networks are a significant departure from the traditional industry model and legislators need to know the advantages and how government actions can help accelerating the development and deployment of open and interoperable solutions,” said Thierry Maupilé, executive vice president of Altiostar. “The Open RAN model is worth advocating for, and we look forward to working with our colleagues in the open RAN policy coalition to ensure the Open RAN model is well represented to policy makers.”