Biden-Harris Administration Announces $450 Million Funding Opportunity to Promote Wireless Software Innovation

WASHINGTON - Today, the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that up to $450 million in funding will be made available for software-focused Open RAN innovation.

This is the third Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. This NOFO will invest in software solutions to drive adoption of open and interoperable wireless networks. The goal is to fund projects that will unlock new Open RAN-enabled revenue streams and reduce the cost of integrating equipment from multiple vendors.

"Wireless innovation is a key piece of America's global technology leadership," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "This funding opportunity will help spur innovation in the next generation of wireless technologies, creating new opportunities for American businesses and making them more competitive."

Open RAN is an innovative approach to mobile network architecture leveraging open, interoperable, and standards-based equipment. Compared to closed, traditional networks, Open RAN enables competition and innovation by allowing operators to mix and match software/hardware components from different companies. By supporting software-enabled Open RAN solutions, the Wireless Innovation Fund will continue to spur adoption of open, interoperable wireless networks.

"Trusted and secure mobile phone networks are more important than ever," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "NTIA's Wireless Innovation Fund will help improve the security of wireless equipment. This latest round of funding will capitalize on the strength of U.S. software development by supporting more secure and open wireless networking software solutions, in turn unlocking new revenue streams and reducing integration costs."

Funded by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the $1.5 billion Wireless Innovation Fund is a piece of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, aiming to drive wireless innovation, foster competition, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

This third round of funding targets two areas:

• Development of software solutions that use Open RAN innovations to generate value for industry verticals such as utilities, mining, manufacturing and others.
• Development of software solutions that reduce the cost and complexity of multi-vendor integration through automation.

Award applications are due March 17, 2025.

NTIA has already awarded more than $413 million to 24 grantees from the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. The first round of funding supported testing research and development, and the establishment of testing and evaluation facilities. The second round of funding supports commercialization and innovation of open radio units. NTIA recently announced $273 million in awards from the second round of funding. Additional awards will be announced on a rolling basis.

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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.