The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Department of Commerce, US, has accepted applications for $140.5 million in 5G open radio access network (RAN) grants. The first round will aim at research and development and testing activities related to interoperability, performance and security of 5G RAN technology.
Meanwhile, Gina Raimondo, US Secretary of Commerce, announced the launch of Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, which is set to invest $1.5 billion for the development of open and interoperable networks. The first notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will focus on open open RAN technology. Ultimately, the goal of the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund is to open the telecom ecosystem to innovation and entrepreneurship in the US and its allied countries.
The application window for NOFO is open till June 2, 2023. NTIA will begin to award the first grants in August 2023.
