Open RAN: Choice or requirement?

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Open RAN promises to be a game changer in the way we build wireless networks. There is huge momentum in support of Open RAN: most vendors, large and small, support it; most operators plan to adopt it. But Open RAN still needs fine tuning. Vendors and operators are still learning how to best deploy and operate Open RAN – where, when, how?

In the US, there is a push to make Open RAN adoption a requirement to access federal financial support. Is this a good way to promote Open RAN adoption? Is the timing right? Would this requirement go counter to the technology-neutral approach favored by regulators in the US and worldwide? How will this requirement affect vendors, operators, and the wireless ecosystem?

In this Sparring Partners, Daryl Schoolar, Omdia, Chris Nicoll, Omdia, and Monica Paolini, Senza Fili, talked about how to best encourage Open RAN adoption.