• September 24, 2020

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) held the Forum on 5G Open Radio Access Networks (RAN) this past month. The virtual event featured a panel of industry experts and stakeholders to discuss the current state and future development of 5G open RAN.

The theme of the forum was technology innovation and the goal was to bring together top experts in the market to discuss the benefits of open RAN as well as the challenges and lessons learned from initial deployments. The FCC believes open RAN can transform today’s 5G network. As an alternative solution to traditional cellular network architecture, open RAN can offer more cost-effective solutions, increased vendor diversity, and enhanced network security.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai hosted the event and was accompanied by five FCC Commissioners as well as a list of industry-leading experts from companies like Verizon, AT&T, DISH, and Qualcomm. The panel discussions were centered around topics including an introduction to open, interoperable, and virtualized networks, the benefits of deployment and driving innovation, where we go from here, and much more.

“Open and virtualized radio access networks may help operators deploy more secure, cost-effective 5G networks,” said Ajit Pai, FCC Chairman. “As part of the FCC’s 5G FAST Plan, the agency has taken many actions to promote American leadership in next generation wireless services. To that end, we want the United States to lead the way in researching and developing innovative approaches to mobile network deployment.”

To watch the recorded version of the FCC’s Forum on 5G Open Radio Access Networks or for more information, visit their website https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/events/forum-5g-virtual-radio-access-networks.

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Sources:

fcc.gov/news-events/events/forum-5g-virtual-radio-access-networks

fcc.gov/document/chairman-pai-fcc-forum-5g-open-radio-access-networks

docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-366866A1.pdf

fiercewireless.com/tech/fcc-s-open-ran-forum-goes-virtual

broadbandbreakfast.com/2020/09/at-fcc-forum-panelists-label-open-radio-access-network-technology-a-cure-all-to-5g-issues/