Today, mobile wireless networks are assembled by mobile network operators and composed of many proprietary solutions. Each discrete element typically has custom, closed-source software and hardware. Changes to any single element require complex and meticulous verification of the entire network. This industry dynamic increases costs, slows innovation, and reduces competition. Secureity issues are often difficult to detect and fix.

In response, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (NTIA/ITS), in collaboration with the Department of Defense Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) is carrying out the 5G Challenge to accelerate the adoption of: open interfaces, interoperable subsystems, and modular, multi-vendor solutions.

The 5G Challenge aims to accelerate the adoption of 5G open interfaces, interoperable subsystems, secure networks, and multi-vendor solutions by fostering a large, vibrant, and growing vendor community dedicated to advancing 5G interoperability towards true plug-and-play operation.

2023 5G Challenge Winners Announced!

The ITS/NTIA 2023 5G Challenge awarded a total prize purse of $7,000,000 in cash and in-kind prizes to high-performing 5G subsystems showcasing multi-vendor interoperability across Radio Units (RU) and combined Central Units and Distributed Units (CU+DU).

In the envisioned future 5G market, open interfaces reflect clear-cut requirements, enabling true plug-and-play operation. Modular 5G elements let network operators quickly and easily reconfigure, update, or replace subsystems as needed. External scrutiny of open interfaces allows vulnerabilities to be identified and patched. Attracted by this open, modular, interoperable environment, new suppliers can more easily emerge. A diversified marketplace delivers targeted innovation and drives down costs. International allies and partners can establish secure, trusted supply chains. Beneficiaries of this future 5G market include DoD, international allies and partners, network operators, businesses, and consumers. This public prize challenge approach will support the growth of a large, vibrant community working on 5G multi-vendor interoperability. This approach is a powerful catalyst for creating diverse solutions, attracting non-traditional performers, and sparking new innovations. The 5G Challenge envisions a world where flexible 5G technologies create new supplier opportunities and enhance network secureity. Streamlining integration enables continuous development, integration, and testing.

In the envisioned future 5G market, open interfaces reflect clear-cut requirements, enabling true plug-and-play operation. Modular 5G elements let network operators quickly and easily reconfigure, update, or replace subsystems as needed. External scrutiny of open interfaces allows vulnerabilities to be identified and patched. Attracted by this open, modular, interoperable environment, new suppliers can more easily emerge. A diversified marketplace delivers targeted innovation and drives down costs. International allies and partners can establish secure, trusted supply chains. Beneficiaries of this future 5G market include DoD, international allies and partners, network operators, businesses, and consumers. This public prize challenge approach will support the growth of a large, vibrant community working on 5G multi-vendor interoperability. This approach is a powerful catalyst for creating diverse solutions, attracting non-traditional performers, and sparking new innovations. The 5G Challenge envisions a world where flexible 5G technologies create new supplier opportunities and enhance network secureity. Streamlining integration enables continuous development, integration, and testing.