Open RAN Center for Integration & Deployment

The Open RAN Center for Integration & Deployment (ORCID) is a initiative established by DISH Wireless, a subsidiary of EchoStar, with a historic $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). ORCID aims to accelerate the adoption and advancement of Open RAN technology, fostering a robust ecosystem for the next generation of wireless networks.

Overview

 * Purpose: ORCID serves as a critical hub for testing, validating, and integrating hardware and software solutions related to Open RAN (Radio Access Network).
 * Global Impact: By leveraging DISH’s expertise in deploying the world’s first standalone Open RAN 5G network, ORCID plays a pivotal role in strengthening the global Open RAN ecosystem.
 * Interoperability and Security: ORCID evaluates Open RAN interoperability, performance, and security from both domestic and international vendors.
 * Grant Significance: The $50 million grant awarded to ORCID in Jan 2024 represents NTIA’s largest award under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.

ORCID will allow participants to test and validate their hardware and software solutions (RU, DU and CU) against a complete commercial-grade Open RAN network deployed by DISH. ORCID will be housed in DISH's secure Cheyenne, Wyoming campus and will be supported by consortium partners Fujitsu, Mavenir and VMware by Broadcom and technology partners Analog Devices, ARM, Cisco, Dell Technologies, Intel, JMA Wireless, NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Samsung.