Open RAN Outreach Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2037

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T19:08:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 2037 - Open RAN Outreach Act

Purpose

The legislation aims to support small communications network providers by increasing their awareness and understanding of Open RAN networks and related opportunities. Open RAN refers to an open radio access network architecture for wireless networks that uses published standards to allow equipment from multiple vendors to work together seamlessly. The goal is to help these providers overcome challenges in adopting such technologies and accessing federal funding programs.

Key Provisions

• Outreach and Technical Assistance: The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, working through the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or NTIA), must conduct outreach and provide technical support to small communications network providers.
• This includes educating them on the uses, benefits, and challenges of Open RAN networks and other open network architectures (which encompass Open RAN and similar elements like open core and open transport that promote multi-vendor interoperability).
• It also covers guidance on participating in the Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program, established under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.
• Definitions: The bill defines key terms, such as "Assistant Secretary" (the specified official in the Department of Commerce), "open network architecture" (networks following open standards for interoperability), and "Open RAN network" (wireless networks adhering to Open RAN standards).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act introduces a new mandate for the NTIA to provide targeted outreach and assistance, which does not amend prior laws but builds on the existing Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program from the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. It expands federal support for open network technologies without altering the program's structure.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The NTIA will need to allocate resources for outreach activities, potentially increasing administrative workload but enhancing the effectiveness of existing grant programs.
• On Citizens and Businesses: Small providers, often serving rural or underserved areas, may gain better access to innovative, cost-effective wireless technologies, improving broadband availability and competition in the telecom sector.
• On International Relations: By promoting open standards, the act could reduce reliance on proprietary foreign equipment (e.g., from certain global vendors), supporting U.S. national security interests in diversified supply chains, though it has no direct international provisions.

Main Stakeholders

• Small Communications Network Providers: Primary beneficiaries, including regional or rural telecom companies that may lack resources to adopt advanced technologies independently.
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): Responsible for implementing the outreach, including the Assistant Secretary and the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth.
• Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program Participants: Entities eligible for grants under the 2021 law, who could see increased participation from small providers.
• Broader Telecom Industry: Vendors and innovators in open network technologies, who may benefit from wider adoption.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The act is straightforward and administrative, imposing no new regulatory burdens but requiring executive action within the Department of Commerce. It aligns with existing federal authority under telecommunications laws without raising constitutional concerns.
• Constitutional: No direct implications, as it involves standard congressional delegation to an executive agency for outreach, consistent with the Commerce Clause's role in regulating interstate communications.
• Political: The bill promotes U.S. innovation in wireless infrastructure, potentially advancing national security goals by diversifying supply chains away from high-risk foreign dependencies. It reflects bipartisan interest in broadband expansion and could influence future telecom policy debates on competition and technology standards.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9]

Recent Actions

• 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2025-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-07-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3217)
• 2025-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
• 2025-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2037.
• 2025-07-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3217-3218)
• 2025-07-14: Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2025-07-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 149.
• 2025-07-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-184.
• 2025-07-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-184.
• 2025-04-08: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
• 2025-04-08: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-03-11: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Open RAN Outreach Act — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (4 pages)
• Open RAN Outreach Act — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (3 pages)
• Open RAN Outreach Act — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (3 pages)
• Open RAN Outreach Act — issued 2025-07-02 — PDF (6 pages)