The Biden-Harris administration has formally launched the $1.5 billion Innovation Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting the development of open and interoperable 5G and future-generation technologies.
“We view this funding opportunity as foundational to the success of the program and as a critical step towards proving the viability of open and interoperability network approaches,” the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) stated in a press release issued April 14.
This historic investment, funded by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, seeks to promote wireless innovation, enhance supply chain resilience, and create opportunities for new and emerging companies in the global telecommunications market, according to the release.
The NTIA has published its first Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), bringing the initiative one step closer to achieving a diverse, sustainable, and competitive wireless supply chain, the new release reports. NTIA's first round of funding, as discussed by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alan Davidson, and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), aims to advance interoperability, security, and performance of open and interoperable networks through testing and evaluation.
The funding opportunity follows extensive public participation, including a formal Request for Comment and a listening session in January, according to the release. During the listening session NTIA received "thoughtful and informative responses" from academic institution, industry associations, wireless equipment producers and international partners, the release reports.
Top responses included the need for interoperability testing and certification; the importance of developing security frameworks and features to minimize risks; coordination on OpenRAN requirements, trials and pilots, and baseline specifications; and support for developing a workforce through expanding STEM education, training and partnerships, according to the release.
"We understand the importance of this moment," NTIA states in the release. "In 10 years, we expect to say that this program unlocked opportunities for companies from the U.S. and its global allies, particularly small and medium enterprises, to compete in a market historically dominated by just a few suppliers – including high-risk suppliers that raise security concerns.
"By opening the market to new competitors," the agency states, "we hope to lower prices for consumers, improve global supply chain security and resiliency, and enable the next generation of wireless innovation in America."
