Colin Allred: “Our Nation's future depends on protecting our wireless networks from vulnerabilities and untrusted vendors like…”

“Our Nation's future depends on protecting our wireless networks from vulnerabilities and untrusted vendors like Chinese-backed companies. That is why today I rise in support of my bipartisan bill, the Open RAN Outreach Act. This bill encourages the administration to provide outreach and technical assistance to small communications network providers regarding how to use Open Radio Access Networks, or Open RAN technologies, including those produced in my district in north Texas. Many carriers use a closed or proprietary network, meaning that they need to use one vendor or manufacturer. This can place a substantial cost burden on smaller carriers to reduce costs, potentially by using cheaper, Chinese-owned alternatives like Huawei. Open RAN allows different components to be produced by different companies, leading to a more diverse and competitive supply chain. My legislation ensures smaller carriers have the tools they need to deploy Open RAN if desired, helping secure our wireless networks. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' in support of this bill.”