FCC ORAN NOI Got Changes From Draft

The FCC notice of inquiry on open radio access networks got changes in version approved 4-0 last week, versus the draft, starting in the section on increased competition and network vendor diversity, based our comparison. Officials say questions were added on adoption and other issues (see 2103170049). “We seek comment on whether and how the current market structure in the traditional RAN sector may impact or affect the deployment and adoption of Open RAN solutions,” the final version said: “How many options are available to carriers in selecting equipment manufacturers? How interoperable is this RAN equipment, if at all, with other hardware and software? Is this equipment or software proprietary? What restrictions, if any, do equipment manufacturers place on wireless carriers’ equipment choices or options?” The NOI now asks about “the effects of competition in the industry, and would transitioning to Open RAN resolve, ameliorate, or worsen these issues?” The final notice probes vertical supply chain relationships in the networking equipment market and “the potential effects of current market conditions on the demand for and deployment of Open RAN solutions.” Commenters are asked to “identify barriers to entry or market conditions that may affect or impede the deployment and adoption of Open RAN solutions now or in the future.” The NOI raises additional adoption issues: “If the benefits of Open RAN can only be realized by economies of scale, should the Commission provide funding or incentives to operators that choose to implement such systems in their wireless networks?”