NTIA to Award $420M for Open Radio Unit Development

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has earmarked $420 million in funding to accelerate the development and innovation of open radio units.

Funding ORUs, which are critical components for cellular networks, is essential in NTIA’s push for wider adoption of open and wireless network architectures, the NTIA said.

The funding is the second opportunity given by the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund and comes from the $1.5 billion Wireless Innovation Fund established by the CHIPS and Science Act.

The initiative also aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda, which aims to strengthen the U.S. wireless supply chain, promote wireless innovation and foster competition within the industry.

The funding targets two distinct areas. The first area, with grants ranging from $25 million to $45 million, focuses on accelerating the commercialization of ORUs to meet the requirements of wireless carriers. The second area, with grants ranging from $5 million to $10 million, prioritizes research and development to improve the overall performance and capabilities of ORUs.

Applications for the funding are due July 10, with awards expected to be announced in the fall.