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The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) component of the Department of Commerce awarded the final grant A total of $42 million was raised this week from the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund’s first funding opportunity notice, increasing total funding to date to $140 million.
Applications for the first round of funding closed in June 2023. NTIA saw More than 125 applications request nearly $1.4 billion to support test and research and development (R&D) activities related to open and interoperable wireless networks.
The 2022 CHIPS and Science Act Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to move the country away from dependence on Chinese companies such as Huawei that provide wireless 5G networking. This is one of the latest efforts.
NTIA began awarding organizations on a rolling basis in August 2023. The final award of $42 million will fund a project by a consortium of U.S. carriers, foreign carriers, universities, and equipment suppliers to establish a test, evaluation, and research and development center at Dallas Technology.Washington DC Corridor and Satellite Facility
NTIA said the research and development center conducts testing with a focus on network performance, interoperability and security, and fosters research into new testing methodologies. The testing and evaluation facility will make industry-standard testing more accessible to new market participants, both within the United States and in partner countries, and will facilitate greater collaboration between different industries, the agency said.
“Fostering innovation and competition in wireless technology is critical to America’s economy and national security,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This $42 million award represents a $140 million investment through the Wireless Innovation Fund and highlights the impact of President Biden’s investment agenda in America in action. will support facilities and advance research that will help the United States lead the global telecommunications market, strengthen supply chains, and open up new opportunities to reduce costs.”
AT&T and Verizon will lead the project. Japanese telecommunications company NTT Docomo and India’s Reliance Jio are founding members of the consortium, although they did not receive funding. The University of Texas at Dallas will help maintain the Dallas Regional Center, and Virginia Tech, Northeastern University, Iowa State University, and Rutgers University will provide neutral laboratory support.
“5G is a dynamic technology, but today’s wireless equipment market is static and highly integrated,” said NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “Our Wireless Innovation Fund aims to change this situation. Today’s grant provides $140 million to foster an open, resilient and secure mobile ecosystem. We have awarded more than that.”
Wireless Innovation Fund – Starting in December 2022 – A 10-year, $1.5 billion program to support the development of open, interoperable wireless networks.
“By investing in open and interoperable networks, NTIA is laying the foundation for a stronger, more secure, and more resilient communications supply chain,” the agency said. “The transition to open networks will enable the United States and its global partners to lead the next generation of wireless innovation.”
The award, announced on February 12, is the fourth and final funding round since the initial funding opportunity announcement. The first round of funding focused on research and development and testing and evaluation.
Additional benefits will be provided after NTIA publishes the next funding opportunity notice.
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