Pentagon Takes the Open RAN Plunge in Texas

The Defense Department (DoD) is taking a small but potentially very significant step toward adoption of Open Radio Access Network (RAN) infrastructure.

First, the small step. The Pentagon said in early November that it awarded a $6.5 million contract to Hughes Network Systems to develop an Open RAN prototype at Fort Bliss, Texas, as part of a bigger effort to test and evaluate advanced 5G wireless technologies for military use.

The contract requires Hughes to install 5G Open RAN equipment at the base, initially setting up a temporary network for preliminary evaluation.

“The Open RAN project at Fort Bliss is a valuable opportunity for the DoD to explore the enhanced command and control capabilities that near-real time control of the RAN offers DoD,” said Anthony Smith, the Pentagon’s acting deputy chief information officer (CIO) for Command, Control, & Communications.

“The DoD CIO will continue to prioritize the deployment of Open RAN architectures and 5G across the Department, leveraging these information communications technologies for strategic warfighter advantage,” Smith said.

Open RAN is a multi-vendor solution that decouples software from hardware, enabling different vendors to operate on the same network simultaneously. This approach enhances flexibility and scalability within the RAN, allowing for more efficient deployment and management of 5G infrastructure.

Then to come – the longer-term step.

DoD said the Fort Bliss project will serve as a testing ground for the development of a RAN Intelligent Controller, which is a software component designed to optimize the radio access network. This effort is expected to lay the groundwork for future Open RAN installations at other military sites and will also function as a training hub for staff.

“This initiative will serve as a testing ground for developing new Open RAN RIC tactical applications, developing footprints for other installations, and establishing a training site for both civilian and military technical staff,” DoD said when it announced the contract with Hughes.

“The Army will also evaluate policies and network architecture standards that leverage commercially interchangeable and vendor agnostic solutions to enhance the Army Unified Network,” DoD said.

The project is designed to help the department meet key strategic milestones that support the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 requirements and DoD initiatives to diversify its supply chains.

The project will be a joint effort between the Army, the DoD CIO, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

SCE, Nokia Ink Private 5G Network Deal

Further on the 5G innovation front, Southern California Edison (SCE) and Nokia announced on Nov. 11 that they are partnering to launch the electric utility sector’s first-ever private 5G Field Area Network (FAN).

“This groundbreaking project marks a significant leap in utility innovation, creating a secure, high-capacity network that will support SCE’s path to a carbon-free energy future,” Nokia said. “This technological foundation opens new opportunities for SCE to enhance grid reliability, optimize renewable integration and streamline operations.”

“We’ve designed this network specifically to meet the unique demands of utility operations, leveraging SCE’s investment in Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum,” the company continued. “Our latest 5G radio access, services and core technology, combined with our existing IP/MPLS backbone, ensures high-performance connectivity and reliability for critical utility operations.”

“Realizing the clean energy future depends on high-performing, scalable and secure technology,” commented Todd Inlander, SCE’s senior vice president and chief information officer. “Our grid modernization program includes upgrading the wireless communications network that helps our teams, and our systems, talk to each other.”

FAN technology, SCE said, “lets devices communicate with power lines, substations and other equipment that helps keep power flowing. With the 5G connection, crews can monitor sensors to quickly detect faults on power lines, enable remote connections to electric equipment in hard-to-reach areas and collect real-time smart meter data to improve the reliability of power delivery to customers.”

“The 5G FAN is helping enhance our visibility into our system, which makes that system safer and more reliable,” said Carlos Carazo, SCE managing director of Digital Grid Services. “Instead of our team members physically responding when issues occur, they now have the ability to diagnose problems from handheld devices in near real time.”

SCE said it plans to expand the 5G FAN reach across its entire 50,000-square mile service area over the next several years.