The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has announced a $1.5 billion grant program funded by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 to advance the deployment of open and interoperable 5G radio access networks.
NTIA said Wednesday the first notice of funding opportunity under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund will focus on projects aimed at promoting and enhancing the open and interoperable RAN research, development, testing and evaluation ecosystem.
The agency is allocating up to $140.5 million for the first tranche of grants to expand industry-accepted testing and evaluation activities and develop new testing methodologies.
Gina Raimondo, secretary of the Department of Commerce, said the Innovation Fund is a step toward securing 5G wireless networks while driving innovation in the global telecommunications sector.
“Investing in the next generation of innovation will unlock opportunities for new and emerging companies to compete in the global telecom market, strengthen our telecom supply chains and provide our allies and friends with trusted choices and innovative technologies to compete in the 21st Century,” Raimondo said.
Eligible applicants may submit proposals for the first NOFO until June 2. Grants are anticipated to be awarded in August.
