ICTworks

The global digital divide remains a critical barrier to inclusive development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Access to affordable, reliable internet is foundational to improving health, education, and agriculture outcomes.

While conventional mobile network infrastructure is often prohibitive in terms of cost and complexity, OpenRAN (Open Radio Access Network) presents a compelling alternative for the digital ecosystems in these countries. USAID and other U.S. government agencies are increasingly advocating for Open RAN adoption, recognizing its potential to democratize telecommunications and catalyze progress across various sectors.

What is Open RAN?

Open RAN is an open-access architecture that allows the components of the Radio Access Network (RAN)—which connects mobile devices to the core network—to be built using hardware and software from different vendors. Unlike traditional RAN, where proprietary systems dominate, OpenRAN introduces flexibility by allowing interoperability between diverse suppliers. This is achieved through open standards that guide the development of both the hardware and software components.

The OpenRAN architecture decouples the hardware and software, promoting vendor diversity and reducing the reliance on a single manufacturer. It leverages software-based solutions on general-purpose hardware, which can be cheaper and more scalable than traditional setups. By fostering competition and innovation, OpenRAN provides a more cost-effective, flexible, and scalable solution for building mobile networks.

Why Does the USG Promote OpenRAN?

The U.S. government, through agencies like USAID, is advocating for “Open RAN” as a way to enhance digital connectivity in LMICs. The promotion of Open RAN is part of a broader strategy to ensure secure, resilient, and inclusive digital ecosystems in these regions. Three primary drivers underline this push:

1. National Security and Geopolitical Interests: OpenRAN reduces dependency on single vendors, particularly those based in countries that the U.S. considers strategic competitors, such as the People’s Republic of China. Traditional mobile network infrastructure often relies on hardware from a few dominant players like Huawei, which raises concerns about security risks. OpenRAN diversifies the supplier ecosystem and allows for more robust network security measures by promoting transparent, open-source standards.
2. Cost Reduction and Scalability: OpenRAN significantly reduces the cost of deploying mobile networks. According to a GSMA study, operators can achieve up to a 40% cost saving by adopting OpenRAN technologies, where investment in traditional telecommunications infrastructure can be prohibitive, OpenRAN provides a financially viable alternative to expand connectivity, especially in rural or underserved areas.
3. Promoting Digital Inclusion and Economic Development: Digital connectivity is a critical enabler of socio-economic development. By lowering the cost and complexity of mobile networks, OpenRAN accelerates the deployment of 4G and 5G technologies, expanding internet access to underserved populations. This helps bridge the digital divide and unlocks new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and access to critical services.

OpenRAN Can Improve Development Outcomes

In LMICs, reliable internet access is a catalyst for development across multiple sectors. By providing a cost-effective and flexible network architecture, OpenRAN can significantly contribute to health, education, and agriculture outcomes.

1. Health: Digital health services, such as telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth) applications, and digital patient records, rely on strong connectivity. OpenRAN can help expand network coverage in remote or rural areas where traditional infrastructure is unavailable or too expensive. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, mobile health services were a lifeline in many LMICs, allowing communities to access vital health information and services. OpenRAN can further expand this reach, ensuring more equitable access to healthcare services.
2. Education: Remote learning, digital literacy programs, and online educational resources require reliable internet access. Many schools in LMICs are located in rural areas with poor connectivity, limiting students’ access to digital learning tools. OpenRAN can provide affordable, scalable solutions to extend connectivity to these regions, helping bridge the educational divide and empower future generations with digital skills.
3. Agriculture: Agriculture is the backbone of many LMIC economies. Digital tools, such as precision farming, mobile advisory services, and e-commerce platforms, can enhance productivity, reduce risks, and improve market access for smallholder farmers. However, these solutions depend on strong mobile networks. By lowering the cost of deploying networks in rural agricultural areas, OpenRAN can enable farmers to access critical services and participate more fully in the digital economy.

When to Promote Open RAN?

For USAID staff and other development practitioners, the timing and context of promoting OpenRAN are crucial. OpenRAN should be considered in national digital strategies, particularly when:

1. Expanding Rural Connectivity: LMICs often face significant challenges in expanding connectivity to rural and underserved areas. OpenRAN is a powerful tool for achieving this goal, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution to build mobile networks in hard-to-reach areas.
2. Enabling Digital Public Goods: OpenRAN aligns with the broader push for open-source digital public goods, which are essential for scalable and inclusive development. By advocating for OpenRAN, practitioners can help ensure that digital infrastructure is open, interoperable, and inclusive.
3. Supporting National Digital Ecosystem Development: Many LMIC governments are developing national digital transformation strategies. By integrating OpenRAN into these strategies, development practitioners can help create a more resilient and competitive telecommunications sector, reducing reliance on single vendors and promoting long-term sustainability.

Benefits of Asia Open RAN Academy

The Asia Open RAN Academy is funded by USAID to support the U.S. Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Academy is an alliance of academic, government, and industry stakeholders in the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region that share a common objective to advance an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet and vibrant digital ecosystem through increased cooperation, competition, and choice.

It will accelerate the adoption of Open RAN approaches by developing Open RAN curriculum and technical exchanges to provide mobile network operators and internet service providers with the skilled workforce needed to test and deploy open network architectures.

Why Deploy an OpenRAN Academy in India?

India’s interest in an OpenRAN Academy from USAID, would stem from its commitment to expanding affordable, scalable, and secure telecommunications infrastructure to meet the growing demand for connectivity.

OpenRAN offers India a cost-effective alternative to traditional network models, reducing reliance on proprietary vendors and fostering competition. This aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative, which promotes technological independence and the development of domestic capabilities in critical sectors like telecommunications.

An OpenRAN Academy in India, akin to the Asia Open RAN Academy in the Philippines, would build the local technical expertise needed to design, deploy, and maintain OpenRAN networks, enabling India to scale its digital infrastructure more rapidly. By training engineers, network operators, and policymakers, such an academy would help bridge the skills gap and ensure that India’s workforce is prepared to leverage OpenRAN technology.

Additionally, the academy would bolster India’s broader ambitions in the global telecom market by positioning the country as a hub for OpenRAN innovation. India’s telecom sector is one of the world’s largest, and strengthening OpenRAN capabilities could increase its competitiveness on the international stage.

For USAID, supporting an OpenRAN Academy in India aligns with its goals of promoting secure, open digital ecosystems in strategic regions. India’s success with OpenRAN could serve as a model for other low- and middle-income countries, advancing global digital inclusion and fostering resilient, diverse telecom networks.

Open RAN is a Development Tool

OpenRAN represents a transformative opportunity for expanding digital connectivity in LMICs. Its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and scalability make it a critical tool for improving development outcomes in health, education, and agriculture.

By promoting OpenRAN in national digital ecosystems like in India, USAID and other U.S. government agencies can help bridge the digital divide, foster economic growth, and contribute to more inclusive, secure, and resilient digital futures for LMICs.