FCC Likely to OK Open RAN NOI 4-0 -- With Tweaks

The FCC draft notice of inquiry on open radio access networks is likely to be expanded by adding a few additional questions, as reflected in various ex parte filings, FCC and industry officials said. Commissioners vote Wednesday and are expected to approve the NOI 4-0.

Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has long been an ORAN advocate, outlining her concerns in a 2019 speech at the Mobile World Congress (see 1910230060). The last FCC picked up that theme, including at a forum last year (see 2009140054). NTIA also held two listening sessions and invited comments (see 2102250056). Major carriers, including AT&T and Verizon, are exploring using ORAN in future networks.

Recently at an ORAN Policy Coalition event, Rosenworcel emphasized the importance to 5G security. Chinese equipment makers “have been leading the way in certain parts of the world, and we have real concerns about the network vulnerabilities that come with that equipment,” she said. ORAN “seems like it could be the ticket; it could be the thing that helps us increase vendor diversity, increase competition, lower costs and increase security.” The FCC needs to develop a “fact-based record” to “understand where our rules might need to change or evolve to support this technology” and form partnerships with other parts of the government, Rosenworcel said: “We should also take note of what other efforts are being made around the world to increase network security and competition when it comes to open RAN technologies.”

Only three parties made lobbying disclosures in docket 21-63 as the draft NOI was before commissioners. The Wireless Bureau also reported on an email sent to its staff by John Strand of Strand Consult, raising questions about how important a role ORAN will play in future networks.

The Telecom Infra Project asked the FCC to add questions to the NOI “on non-RAN elements such as core and transport networks, with commenters invited to respond to questions asked in all previous parts of the Discussion section as applicable.” The inquiry should take in “other open and disaggregated network elements,” including open core and open optical and packet transport technologies, the project said.

Mavenir suggested new questions on the “current structure of the market for the provision of traditional RAN equipment.” Among the queries: “To what extent do manufacturers of traditional RAN equipment have the incentive and ability to engage in strategies, whether dealing with upstream suppliers or carrier customers, that could potentially foreclose or adversely affect … entry by Open RAN providers?”

Ericsson executives met with Rosenworcel and didn’t ask for specific NOI changes. Strand urged caution in an email to FCC staff. “While it may be commendable to pursue the goals proffered by OpenRAN proponents, the actual impact of OpenRAN must be measured by real world facts and experience,” he said: “OpenRAN is already falling short of expectations.”

Dish Network’s 5G network is being built based on ORAN concepts, as is the 5G network of Japan’s Rakuten, blogged Matt Melester, senior vice president in CommScope's office of chief technology officer. “Open RAN supports the disaggregation of software from proprietary hardware, thereby facilitating the creation and rapid deployment of new services and operational solutions,” he said Tuesday: ORAN “supports a more robust supply chain ecosystem that actively encourages the entry of new vendors.”

The FCC should examine “how open and disaggregated solutions could impact the whole network ecosystem, including core and transport,” Access Partnership Senior Policy Counsel Dileep Srihari told us. RAN gets attention in Washington “because of the small number of traditional vendors, none of which are American, and the specific national security concerns regarding Huawei and ZTE,” he said: “The same issues that tie carriers into a single RAN vendor and limit competition, such as lack of interoperability, often apply … to core and optical packet transport equipment as well. This lack of flexibility creates problems that are particularly acute for smaller carriers that have less capability to evaluate different solutions and act as their own integrator.”

“Prioritizing a diverse supply chain and fostering a market that actively supports American vendors will provide the bedrock for a secure, interoperable and resilient 5G infrastructure in the United States,” a Mavenir spokesperson emailed: ORAN is “critical to securing American leadership in 5G at home.”