The wireless heart of america (WHOA) project aims to RE-establish US leadership in the RU market by introducing technology solutions, ready to compete with the global leader in the market for…

The federal Project Grant award, provided by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program (CFDA 11.038), aims to re-establish U.S. leadership in the radio unit (RU) market for massive multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) open radio units (O-RUs). The $56,232,784.75 grant, awarded on January 1, 2025, will support Abside Networks Inc. in developing and commercializing two VLA O-RU models based on its innovative RF-Retina technology. This effort is expected to increase capacity by 50% in mountainous regions and 30% in other deployment scenarios, reducing required tower densities. Additionally, the project will develop a U.S.-based manufacturing plan, maximizing the use of U.S. component vendors to enhance supply chain resilience. Northeastern University and Virginia Tech will support O-RAN and cybersecurity compliance testing as subrecipients.

Activities

Developing and commercializing two VLA O-RU models based on abside networks innovative RF-retina technology, with a clear total cost of ownership return on investment: 50% capacity increase in mountainous regions via elevation sectorization and 30% coverage and capacity increase in other deployment scenarios, thus reducing required tower densities. Developing a US-based manufacturing-at-scale plan, while maximizing the use of US components vendors for an increased supply chain resilience.

Expected outcomes

Forming a consortium led by the operators, which will act as the living repository for all manufacturing and integration efforts of team whoa. This will ensure the best use of funds disbursed towards commercialization, attracting both new operators and vendors by lowering overhead costs of O-ran deployments. The impact on the deployment plans and businesses of approximately 90 regional mobile network operators (MNOS) will be near-immediate: a) drastically reduced network deployment costs B) enable fixed wireless access market expansion for regional MNOS as they seek to address unserved and underserved customers C) enhanced service offerings for the communities they serve.

Intended beneficiaries

Regional mnos that have been previously dominated by foreign vendors. The lack of choice has forced these regional mnos to utilize less capable technology and procure costlier alternatives to provide service.

Subrecipient activities

Northeastern and virginia tech will support O-ran and cyber security compliance testing, leveraging ntias NOFO1 project experience; critical world-renowned specialized supporting entities for project management, supply chain, manufacturing, and market analysis.