Technical and procedural updates only. The later version (v4) includes the name of the Clerk, Kevin F. McCumber, in the attestation and adds information about the bill's referral to the Senate. There are no substantive policy changes between v3 and v4.
Open RAN Outreach Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2025
Bottom line
The bill establishes a federal outreach program to educate small telecom providers about Open RAN technology and guide them toward existing grant opportunities, aiming to boost competition and innovation in wireless network infrastructure.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to provide outreach and technical assistance to small communications network providers. The assistance aims to raise awareness about the uses, benefits, and challenges of Open RAN and other open network architectures, and to help these providers participate in the existing Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for promoting innovation, competition, and supply chain security in the wireless industry by encouraging the adoption of Open RAN technologies. They contend that providing targeted outreach and technical assistance will empower small providers to overcome barriers to entry, diversify their equipment suppliers, and ultimately strengthen the nation's communications infrastructure against vulnerabilities.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, outreach alone may not be sufficient to drive significant adoption of Open RAN among small providers, especially if the underlying financial or technical challenges remain substantial. Some may also question the efficiency of creating a new outreach mandate rather than enhancing existing programs or providing direct financial incentives for technology transition.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Outreach and Technical Assistance to Small Providers Regarding Open RAN Networks
This provision mandates the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct outreach and offer technical assistance to small communications network providers. The assistance has two main goals: first, to educate these providers about the advantages, applications, and potential difficulties associated with Open RAN and other open network architectures; and second, to help them navigate and participate in the existing Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this provision is essential for democratizing access to advanced wireless technologies and fostering a more secure and competitive supply chain. They believe that by directly supporting small providers, the bill addresses a critical gap in knowledge and resources, enabling broader adoption of innovative Open RAN solutions.
Critics contend
Opponents, if any, might suggest that while well-intentioned, the provision's impact may be limited without dedicated funding for the outreach activities themselves or more direct incentives for technology adoption. Concerns could also be raised about the administrative burden on the Assistant Secretary without a clear appropriation.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of promoting advanced, secure network technologies with the practical challenges faced by smaller providers in adopting new, potentially complex systems. It seeks to mitigate these challenges through information and guidance, rather than direct financial aid for technology deployment.
The bill directs the Assistant Secretary to provide technical assistance to small communications network providers regarding their participation in the Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program, which was established under section 9202(a)(1) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283).
Section 2(a)(2)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid reprinting lengthy sections of existing law. It efficiently links the current bill's purpose to an already authorized and funded program.
Case for: Supporters would argue that this cross-reference is an efficient way to leverage existing federal programs and funding mechanisms, ensuring that the outreach efforts are tied to tangible opportunities for small providers to secure resources for Open RAN adoption.
Case against: Critics might contend that relying on such cross-references makes the bill less transparent for a casual reader, who would need to consult external legal documents to fully grasp the implications of the technical assistance being offered.
Estimated impact: This linkage connects small providers to a potentially significant federal grant program designed to foster innovation and security in the wireless supply chain, which could involve substantial federal investment.