More than 90 Applications Requesting Nearly $3 Billion Submitted for the Wireless Innovation Fund’s Third Round
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it received 94 applications requesting nearly $3 billion in federal funding and proposing more than $1.3 billion in private investment to support innovation in wireless equipment.
The third Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund makes up to $450 million available to invest in industry-specific use cases and integration of automated solutions for open and interoperable radio access network (Open RAN) equipment, aimed at accelerating the adoption of Open RAN technology. The radio access network refers to the physical and digital infrastructure underlying mobile wireless networks and represents the largest share of capital expenditure for mobile network operators.
“Promoting innovation in wireless networks is key to increasing America’s technological leadership and reducing the influence of our adversaries,” said Adam Cassady, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Acting NTIA Administrator. “This round of funding is about driving forward the adoption of open and interoperable networks so that American businesses can thrive in the market for wireless equipment.”
Applications for this round of funding were due by April 16. NTIA is evaluating applications and anticipates making awards later this year.
Funded by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the $1.5 billion Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund invests in American technology leadership in mobile telecommunications networks, aiming to drive wireless innovation, foster competition, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
This third round of funding will invest in two critical areas:
- Software solutions that utilize data from Open RAN interfaces and/or leverage Open RAN-specific innovations, such as the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), to drive energy efficiencies, cost savings, productivity gains, or other value for industry verticals (e.g., utilities, mining, manufacturing, unmanned aviation); and
- Software solutions that reduce the cost and complexity of multi-vendor integration through automation.
NTIA has awarded over $550 million across 35 projects through the first two funding rounds. Round one focused on supporting testing, research, development, and establishing evaluation facilities, while round two focused on driving innovation and commercialization in open radio units. Radio units, which sit at the top of cell phone towers to transmit and receive signals, are the largest and most costly part of the carrier network. This third NOFO builds on the progress of the previous NOFOs, expanding market opportunities by validating Open RAN-enabled revenue streams while reducing the cost and complexity of multi-vendor integration to accelerate the adoption of Open RAN.
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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.