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Open Ran Outreach Act

Floor Speech

By: Bob Latta
By: Bob Latta
Date: Oct. 19, 2021
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, again, I rise today in support of H.R. 4032, the Open RAN Outreach Act, which was introduced by Representatives Allred, Guthrie, O'Halleran, and Hudson.

Open RAN compatible technology will play an important role as communications networks evolve over the coming decade. While most networks today are limited to integrated systems provided by one or two vendors, the deployment of Open RAN compatible technology will encourage innovation, competition, and new entrants in the communications marketplace.

By encouraging a robust market for Open RAN compatible technology, the cost of trusted equipment is expected to decrease over time. These lower costs will help smaller wireless providers deploy mobile broadband cost effectively without having to turn to untrusted vendors like Huawei.

As small, and often rural, providers upgrade to 5G and replace untrusted Huawei or ZTE equipment, we must keep in mind the difficulty these providers may have in taking advantage of some of the programs offered in Washington.

H.R. 4032 would require NTIA to conduct outreach and technical assistance to these small and rural providers to make sure they have the information necessary if they choose to take advantage of Open RAN compatible technologies.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie).

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Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Madam Speaker, I know we had the hearing on Open RAN in committee, and I heard the testimony that day, and how we can expand our networks across the country is absolutely essential. As we know, as we go into the different types of technologies, we are going to need as much as we possibly can, and so this bill is going to help.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the sponsors for bringing it before us today. I urge support of the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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