AI radio access networks (AI-RAN) got a $53 million boost in the U.S. courtesy of the Department of Commerce.
Known as Solutions for AI‑Native RAN, the funding opportunity sees the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) looking to “accelerate the development, testing, and commercialization of secure” AI-RAN architecture.
“As AI becomes increasingly integrated into wireless networks, AI-native RAN is an area that plays directly to America’s strengths in software and artificial intelligence," Arielle Roth, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and NTIA administrator, noted. "By demonstrating these technologies in real-world networks, we can give providers, investors, and our international partners the evidence they need to adopt trusted American AI-native RAN solutions where they deliver value and help ensure American innovators are well-positioned to shape the next generation of wireless communications.”
The funding opportunity is the fourth to date under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, and further promotes the White House’s AI Action Plan. According to the tender, projects that combine strong technical performance with market viability will be prioritized. This is reliant on real‑world demonstrations that meet with the fund’s statutory requirements, as well as 3GPP and O‑RAN specifications.
NTIA’s notice also placed emphasis on reducing operational costs, enabling an “innovative” ecosystem and integrating cybersecurity into “every layer of design and operation.”
America’s AI ambitions come as the likes of Europe’s Nokia and South Korea’s SK Telecom ramp up their commercial AI-RAN efforts.
AI-RAN also underpins European efforts in 6G, such as its security-focused Shield-6G project, which recently granted U.S. vendor Viavi Solutions $1.1 million in funds.
NTIA revealed last month that the 7 GHz band was leading the selection process for so-called 6G spectrum as it aims to meet requirements from last year’s Working Families Tax Cut Act (WFTC). The act directed NTIA to identify 500-megahertz of federal spectrum between the 1.3 GHz and 10.5 GHz bands to repurpose for full-power commercial licensed use.
Recent Dell’Oro research puts AI-RAN as dominating one-third of the RAN market by 2029, for a total revenue forecast of over $10 billion.