Emerging technology

CableLabs Selected as Host Lab for NTIA-ITS 5G Challenge

The Department of Commerce has chosen CableLabs as the host laboratory for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Institute for Telecommunication Sciences 5G Challenge.

Sponsored by the Department of Defense, the 5G Challenge is an effort to drive the development of open-architecture 5G technologies that can support defense missions, according to a January 2021 notice of inquiry.

The 5G Challenge is also expected to accelerate the adoption of 5G open interfaces, interoperable components and multi-vendor solutions, CableLabs said Wednesday.

As the host lab, CableLabs will help NTIA-ITS deploy virtualized 5G networks, including cores, radio access networks and network emulation systems.

CableLabs added that it will provide a standalone 5G network that can integrate multiple vendors simultaneously during testing.

Phil McKinney, president and CEO of CableLabs, said that the organization’s selection as host lab demonstrates its focus on advancing open and interoperable network technologies.

CableLabs added that its long-standing relationships with multiple industry players will help drive interoperability in 5G technologies.

Headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, CableLabs is a nonprofit research and development organization whose focus areas include network technologies, video content delivery, telephony and broadband internet.

In October 2020, the DOD announced $600 million in investments in 5G experimentation and testing at military test sites.

The Pentagon said that the planned projects include 5G-enabled extended reality for mission planning, 5G-enabled smart warehouses and technologies that can enhance distributed command and control.