NTIA Looking to Fund $450M of Open RAN Software Projects

The Federal government has $450 million burning a hole in its pocket to fund development of software-based solutions for Open Radio Access Network (RAN) infrastructure innovations and is looking for applications for that money through March 17.

That’s the gist of the ask from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which went public with the request for funding applications on Dec. 17, 2024.

The $450 million of potential funding comes from NTIA’s third notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) from the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.

That fund – with a total of $1.5 billion – was resourced by the CHIPS and Science Act approved by Congress in 2022. The innovation fund has a mission of driving wireless innovation, fostering competition, and boosting supply chain resilience.

“Open RAN is an innovative approach to mobile network architecture leveraging open, interoperable, and standards-based equipment,” NTIA said in announcing the latest funding opportunity. “Compared to closed, traditional networks, Open RAN enables competition and innovation by allowing operators to mix and match software/hardware components from different companies,” the agency said.

The latest funding opportunity, NTIA said, aims at helping along projects that “will unlock new Open RAN-enabled revenue streams and reduce the cost of integrating equipment from multiple vendors.”

NTIA is targeting two areas in the latest Open RAN funding effort.

The first is “development of software solutions that use Open RAN innovations to generate value for industry verticals such as utilities, mining, manufacturing and others.”  The second is “development of software solutions that reduce the cost and complexity of multi-vendor integration through automation” the agency said.

NTIA’s two prior rounds of awards from the innovation fund – totaling $413 million – have supported Open RAN testing research and development and testing and evaluation facilities, along with innovation and commercialization of open radio units.

One recipient of substantial funding from the earlier rounds is Nokia, which said on Dec. 18 that it closed on a $45 million grant from NTIA that the company said it will use further strengthen its already considerable push into Open RAN tech.

“The awarded funds will accelerate Nokia’s efforts to drive the development of open and interoperable wireless communication networks with a focus on performance, resiliency, and security, reaffirming Nokia’s commitment to innovation and technological leadership,” the company said.

“This grant underscores Nokia and Nokia Bell Labs’ longstanding commitment to U.S.-based R&D, reinforcing their pivotal role in driving technological advancement and supporting the United States’ advanced wireless communications market,” Nokia said, adding, “accelerating the shift towards open and interoperable wireless networks will enhance network efficiency and promote greater innovation within the industry.”

“This funding will further enhance our R&D capabilities in Illinois and Texas, boosting our market-leading Open RAN offering and supporting the industry’s transition to more open and flexible wireless networks,” commented Ed Alfonso, Head of Mobile Networks, Americas at Nokia.

“Wireless innovation is a key piece of America’s global technology leadership,” said Gina Raimondo, secretary of the U.S. Commerce Department that is the parent agency of NTIA, on Dec. 17. “This funding opportunity will help spur innovation in the next generation of wireless technologies, creating new opportunities for American businesses and making them more competitive,” she said.