Introduction
The Quad Countries will partner with the Government of Palau and the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) to design, implement, and operationalize the deployment of Open RAN capabilities. This initiative will modernize Palau’s national mobile network, establish an Open RAN deployment in partnership with local stakeholders, and support its sustainable operation.
The United States Trade and Development Agency will fund a technical assistance grant to scope the size and scale of the project, the Australian Government will support the project and Quad partners may provide further support.
This Open RAN deployment will advance more secure, trusted, resilient, adaptable, and cost-effective connectivity in Palau while maintaining service for users. This deployment will strengthen Palau’s status as a regional leader in ICT and digital connectivity, with this being the first deployment of the technology planned in the region.
What is Open RAN?
Open RAN is a new approach to developing network architecture that decouples the Radio Access Network (RAN) from the core network. This allows for more flexibility and innovation in the design and deployment of RANs.
Why is Open RAN important?
Open RAN has a number of advantages, including:
Increased flexibility and innovation: Open RAN allows for more flexibility in the design and deployment of RANs. This can lead to new and innovative solutions that can meet the needs of users.
Reduced costs: Open RAN can help to reduce costs by allowing for more competition in the RAN market. This can lead to lower prices for users.
Improved security: Open RAN can help to improve security by making it more difficult for attackers to target the network. This is because Open RAN is a more decentralized architecture.
What are the benefits of Open RAN for Palau?
The benefits of Open RAN for Palau include:
Improved connectivity: Open RAN can help to improve connectivity in Palau by making it possible to deploy new and innovative RAN solutions. This can lead to faster speeds and better coverage for users.
Reduced costs: Open RAN can help to reduce costs for Palau by making it possible to deploy RANs more efficiently. This can free up resources that can be used to improve other aspects of Palau’s infrastructure.
Improved security: Open RAN can help to improve security in Palau by making it more difficult for attackers to target the network. This can help to protect Palau from cyber threats.
What is the role of the Quad in the deployment of Open RAN in Palau?
The Quad is playing a key role in the deployment of Open RAN in Palau by providing technical assistance and funding. The Quad is also working to promote the adoption of Open RAN in the region.
What are the next steps for the deployment of Open RAN in Palau?
The next steps for the deployment of Open RAN in Palau include:
Scoping the size and scale of the project: The United States Trade and Development Agency will fund a technical assistance grant to scope the size and scale of the project. This will help to determine the best way to deploy Open RAN in Palau.
Implementing the project: The project will be implemented by the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) in partnership with local stakeholders.
Supporting the sustainable operation of the project: The Quad will provide support to ensure that the project is sustainable in the long term.
The deployment of Open RAN in Palau is a significant milestone for the Quad and for Palau. It is a demonstration of the Quad’s commitment to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. It is also a demonstration of Palau’s commitment to innovation and its desire to improve the lives of its citizens.
