Open RAN Outreach Act

This bill tells the federal telecom agency to help small internet and phone providers learn about and use “Open RAN” networks. Open RAN lets different brands of network equipment work together, which can lower costs and make it easier to upgrade. The agency must do outreach and offer hands-on technical help about the benefits, uses, and challenges of these open networks.

It also requires the agency to help these small providers apply for an existing grant program that supports building and adopting Open RAN and other open network tech. This is meant to speed up safer, more flexible wireless networks in communities across the country .

Key points

• Who’s affected: Small communications network providers (often rural or regional).
• What changes: More outreach and technical help on Open RAN; assistance applying for the Wireless Supply Chain Innovation grants that fund Open RAN projects .
• Why it matters: Could reduce costs, increase competition, and improve network reliability by allowing mix-and-match equipment from multiple vendors.