3460IF2403
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
Purpose: Nokia's proposal supports the development of a next generation open radio unit platform (NGO-RUP) to deliver specific open radio unit (O-RU) products globally, including in the U.S.
The first U.S. variant will support dual bands commonly licensed in the U.S. and meet the key performance indicators (KPIs) required for deployment by mobile network operator (MNO) partners T-Mobile, AT&T, and U.S. Cellular.
Nokia's next generation O-RU incorporates several key technical advancements to enhance performance and energy efficiency.
The solution uses the latest generation system on chip (SoC) technology, offering enhanced processing capabilities and reduced power consumption compared to previous generations.
Furthermore, the O-RU will incorporate the very latest thermal management technologies to ensure it can maintain an optimal internal operating temperature while operating in the harshest of environments for years on end.
It will also feature the latest advances in power amplifier and filter technologies to provide the highest efficiency coupled with excellent radio frequency (RF) performance.
These improvements work in tandem to deliver a high-performance, energy-efficient open radio access network (O-RAN) solution that meets the demanding requirements of modern 5G networks.
Activities to be performed: Nokia plans to achieve their objective using the following major work items:
- NGO-RUP incorporates 7nm semiconductor SoC enabling a smaller physical footprint, reduced cost, and reduced power consumption per sector compared to existing RU offerings.
- Contingent on NGO-RUP products being ready for start of project.
- Using common platform across all radios 3 SKUs starting with architecture and specification definition in 24 months not deemed reasonable.
Expected outcomes: This project is an innovative approach to miniaturizing the form factor of the radio units with a 7nm silicon design for fabricating radio unit parts.
The underlying platform will be compliant with 3GPP Release 18 to deliver software enhancements for higher throughput, lower latency and multiple configurations.
The partnerships with AT&T, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular strengthen the first office trial in the major network operator field trials.
Intended beneficiaries: Macro radio providers and MNOs.
Subrecipient activities: The recipient does not plan to subaward funds.
The first U.S. variant will support dual bands commonly licensed in the U.S. and meet the key performance indicators (KPIs) required for deployment by mobile network operator (MNO) partners T-Mobile, AT&T, and U.S. Cellular.
Nokia's next generation O-RU incorporates several key technical advancements to enhance performance and energy efficiency.
The solution uses the latest generation system on chip (SoC) technology, offering enhanced processing capabilities and reduced power consumption compared to previous generations.
Furthermore, the O-RU will incorporate the very latest thermal management technologies to ensure it can maintain an optimal internal operating temperature while operating in the harshest of environments for years on end.
It will also feature the latest advances in power amplifier and filter technologies to provide the highest efficiency coupled with excellent radio frequency (RF) performance.
These improvements work in tandem to deliver a high-performance, energy-efficient open radio access network (O-RAN) solution that meets the demanding requirements of modern 5G networks.
Activities to be performed: Nokia plans to achieve their objective using the following major work items:
- NGO-RUP incorporates 7nm semiconductor SoC enabling a smaller physical footprint, reduced cost, and reduced power consumption per sector compared to existing RU offerings.
- Contingent on NGO-RUP products being ready for start of project.
- Using common platform across all radios 3 SKUs starting with architecture and specification definition in 24 months not deemed reasonable.
Expected outcomes: This project is an innovative approach to miniaturizing the form factor of the radio units with a 7nm silicon design for fabricating radio unit parts.
The underlying platform will be compliant with 3GPP Release 18 to deliver software enhancements for higher throughput, lower latency and multiple configurations.
The partnerships with AT&T, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular strengthen the first office trial in the major network operator field trials.
Intended beneficiaries: Macro radio providers and MNOs.
Subrecipient activities: The recipient does not plan to subaward funds.
Awardee
Funding Goals
TO ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT, DEPLOYMENT, AND ADOPTION OF OPEN AND INTEROPERABLE RADIO ACCESS NETWORKS (RAN). IN THIS SECOND NOFO, NTIA AIMS TO ADVANCE OPEN RADIO UNIT (RU) COMMERCIALIZATION AND INNOVATION BY FUNDING ACTIVITIES THAT 1) ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF OPEN RU PRODUCTS TO THE POINT WHERE THEY MEET CARRIER NEEDS AND ARE READY FOR COMMERCIAL TRIALS, AND 2) IMPROVE THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE AND CAPABILITIES OF OPEN RUS THROUGH TARGETED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
New Providence,
New Jersey
07974-0000
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Nokia Of America Corporation was awarded
Next Generation Open Radio Unit Platform for Global Deployment
Project Grant 3460IF2403
worth $45,000,000
from the National Institute of Standards and Technology in January 2025 with work to be completed primarily in New Providence New Jersey United States.
The grant
has a duration of 2 years and
was awarded through assistance program 11.038 Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program – Expanding Testing and Evaluation.
$24,013,594 (35.0%) of this Project Grant was funded by non-federal sources.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program - Open Radio Commercialization and Innovation.
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 12/20/24
Period of Performance
1/1/25
Start Date
12/31/26
End Date
Funding Split
$45.0M
Federal Obligation
$24.0M
Non-Federal Obligation
$69.0M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
3460IF2403
SAI Number
3460IF2403_0
Award ID URI
EXE
Awardee Classifications
For-Profit Organization (Other Than Small Business)
Awarding Office
1333ND DEPT OF COMMERCE NIST
Funding Office
1331K2 DEPT OF COMMERCE NTIA
Awardee UEI
RJXTFWKHANY8
Awardee CAGE
064L4
Performance District
NJ-07
Senators
Robert Menendez
Cory Booker
Cory Booker
Modified: 12/20/24