Coalition Launched With Goal of Promoting Open Radio Access Networks

Thirty-one global tech companies launched the Open Radio Access Network Coalition Tuesday “to promote policies that will advance the adoption of open and interoperable solutions” for networks. The FCC had focused on the issue, but a March 26 summit on 5G-focused open RAN technology was postponed because of COVID-19 (see 2003120071). “As evidenced by the current global pandemic, vendor choice and flexibility in next-generation network deployments are necessary from a security and performance standpoint,” said coalition Executive Director Diane Rinaldo (see also personals section), former NTIA acting administrator. “By promoting policies that standardize and develop open interfaces, we can ensure interoperability and security across different players and potentially lower the barrier to entry for new innovators.” “Intrigued,” Commissioner Mike O’Rielly tweeted: “Will be reaching out to new coalition … to hear issues & agenda. I’m supportive of end goal as is most every industry segment; very leery about any mandates to get there.” Members are Airspan, Altiostar, AT&T, AWS, Cisco, CommScope, Dell, Dish Network, Facebook, Fujitsu, Google, IBM, Intel, Juniper Networks, Mavenir, Microsoft, NEC, NewEdge Signal Solutions, NTT, Oracle, Parallel Wireless, Qualcomm, Rakuten Mobile, Samsung Electronics America, Telefonica, US Ignite, Verizon, VMWare, Vodafone, World Wide Technology and XCOM Labs.