If there is one trending topic in the telecommunications industry that will help enable 6G, it’s Open RAN. At least, that is FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks’ stance.
Speaking at the 6GSymposium Fall 2024, Starks made the case for disaggregation, stating that it will offer several alternatives for challenges that the operators face today.
“While 6G service may be some years away, carriers installing Open RAN radios may ultimately have the ability to upgrade those units via 6G software updates rather than costly hardware and replacement efforts that way,” the Commissioner said.
According to him, the FCC will include up to $900 million in incentives for Open RAN deployments as part of the adopted 5G Mobility Fund. He also stressed NTIA’s efforts, such as the implementation of the $1.5 billion Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, which is supporting the deployment of Open RAN networks.
Starks also said he hopes and expects that there will be more to come. “As network functions jump from hardware to software on disaggregated networks, operators will have more flexibility than ever before,” he argued.
“With 6G, operators, I believe, will have an unprecedented ability to divvy up the infrastructure with multiple virtual networks, optimised for different use cases, all operating simultaneously,” the Commissioner envisioned. “For operators, this means new ways to monetise the significant capital investment associated with network infrastructure.”
Slow Down the Hype?
While Open RAN has been gaining momentum, analysts are cautious about the impact of the new technology.
“Open RAN is happening, but this vision that it will significantly change the vendor dynamics is fading,” said Stefan Pongratz, Vice President of RAN market research at the Dell’Oro Group, in a press statement in August.
According to the consulting company, Open RAN must account for more than 25% of the total RAN market, with Cloud RAN (20% to 25%) and Multi-vendor RAN (less than 10%) following.
“With most of the leading RAN suppliers now committed to the latest O-RAN fronthaul interfaces, the question now is more about the timing and the adoption curve for the various RAN segments,” Pongratz added.
