Open RAN Outreach Act

Hozzl · 2024-04-17T23:45:03Z

Explore the details of House Bill 4032 Open RAN Outreach Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

4/17/2024, 11:45 PM

Summary of Bill HR 4032

Bill 117 HR 4032, also known as the Open RAN Outreach Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to promote the development and adoption of open radio access network (RAN) technology in the United States.

Open RAN technology is a new approach to building wireless networks that allows for greater interoperability and flexibility among different vendors and equipment. This technology has the potential to increase competition in the telecommunications industry, lower costs for consumers, and improve network security.

The Open RAN Outreach Act aims to support the deployment of open RAN technology by establishing a program within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to provide technical assistance and resources to small and rural telecommunications providers. These providers often face challenges in adopting new technologies due to limited resources and expertise. Additionally, the bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a study on the benefits of open RAN technology and report its findings to Congress. This study will help policymakers better understand the potential impact of open RAN on the telecommunications industry and the economy. Overall, the Open RAN Outreach Act seeks to promote innovation and competition in the telecommunications industry by supporting the development and adoption of open RAN technology. It aims to ensure that all Americans have access to reliable and secure wireless networks, regardless of where they live.

Congressional Summary of HR 4032

Open RAN Outreach Act

This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to small communications network providers to raise awareness of the benefits, uses, and challenges of Open RAN networks and other open network architectures. Open RAN networks are wireless networks that follow the Open Radio Access Network approach to standardization, promoting the use of open interface standards in the portion of the telecommunications network that connects wireless devices (e.g., mobile phones) to the core of the network.

The NTIA must also conduct outreach and provide assistance regarding participation in the Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program.

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Current Status of Bill HR 4032

Bill HR 4032 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since October 21, 2021. Bill HR 4032 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 22, 2021. Bill HR 4032's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of October 21, 2021