Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves addressed the International Open RAN Symposium in Golden, Colorado, marking a significant event organized by the Department of Commerce. He began by expressing gratitude to NTIA’s Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and its international affairs office for facilitating the symposium.

"This is the largest convening the Department of Commerce has ever organized on Open RAN," Graves stated, emphasizing the unprecedented gathering of policy and technical experts.

Graves reiterated the commitment of the Department of Commerce and the Biden-Harris Administration to support global industry efforts in deploying Open RAN. "We remain fully committed to global industry’s success in deploying Open RAN," he said, highlighting its potential to enhance resilience, security, and innovation within ICT supply chains.

He also discussed the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund administered by NTIA. "The Innovation Fund is a 10-year, $1.5 billion grant program aimed at accelerating open and interoperable networks," Graves explained. Over $140 million has already been awarded through this fund, with applications for an additional $420 million currently under review.

Graves acknowledged that achieving global scale for Open RAN requires a collaborative effort involving network operators, vendors, and governments worldwide. Representatives from over 21 countries attended the symposium, reflecting this need for international cooperation.

"Commerce – in close collaboration with colleagues at the State Department and other U.S. agencies – has long put Open RAN at the heart of our global 5G outreach," he added.

Ambassador Stephan Lang, U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, was mentioned as a key partner in these efforts. Graves noted initiatives such as GCOT (Global Coalition on Telecommunications), which includes countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Australia focused on telecom diversification and 6G advancements.

Participants were encouraged to engage with panels discussing international cooperation through GCOT members and unpacking Prague Proposals on Telecommunications Supplier Diversity—principles endorsed by various governments promoting developments like Open RAN.

Graves concluded by stressing policymakers' role in supporting Open RAN's mission: "Policymakers also have an integral role to play...in helping to support this mission’s success."

He declared the symposium officially open while wishing attendees success during their stay in Colorado.