The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today the award of a contract in the amount of $6,514,697.51 to Hughes Network Systems, LLC for the development of an Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) prototype at Fort Bliss, Texas. Open RAN offers DoD greater choice, resiliency, and innovation. The 5G Open RAN prototype equipment will be installed on Fort Bliss to operate a temporary network for evaluation purposes, which will then transition to serve as part of the Hughes' commercial network supporting both DoD and commercial customers in and around Fort Bliss. The project is a joint effort of the U.S. Army, the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)).

Open RAN allows components from different vendors — including radio, hardware, and software — to be interoperable on the same platform. Modularity in the RAN allows agility and promotes supply chain security, vendor competition, and, ultimately, innovation and cost efficiencies. Open RAN's ecosystem provides numerous benefits to DoD including increased functionality and scalability of 5G wireless networks, incorporation of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) into DoD systems, and greater flexibility in acquiring or replacing the software and hardware used in military equipment.

Specifically, Open RAN and the ability to exert near-real time control over the RAN, via a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), enables strategic advantages to the warfighter. The primary use case that the Fort Bliss prototype will test through the RIC is the ability to rapidly change spectrum at the 5G control node, a capability that has real world relevance to resilient communications for a mobile command post.

"The Open RAN project at Fort Bliss is a valuable opportunity for the DoD to explore the enhanced command and control capabilities that near-real time control of the RAN offers DoD. The DoD CIO will continue to prioritize the deployment of Open RAN architectures and 5G across the Department, leveraging these information communications technologies for strategic warfighter advantage," said Mr. Anthony Smith, DoD CIO's Acting Deputy Chief Information Officer for Command, Control, & Communications.

The scope of the Open RAN project at Fort Bliss is designed to meet key strategic milestones that support FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act requirements and DoD initiatives to diversify supply chain. It will also improve Army processes for enabling MNO access to installations. This initiative will serve as a testing ground for developing new Open RAN RIC tactical applications, developing footprints for other installations, and establishing a training site for both civilian and military technical staff. The Army will also evaluate policies and network architecture standards that leverage commercially interchangeable and vendor agnostic solutions to enhance the Army Unified Network.