The Diversification Strategy set out that technologies based on openness and interoperability —such as Open RAN—have a key role to play in enabling diversification. Though Open RAN is an emerging technology, the Government recognises its potential to positively impact competition and innovation in the telecoms supply market, and in the emergence of other open network solutions. In particular, the Government believes the UK is well placed to drive the development and deployment of Open RAN and other open technologies, noting the innovative approach of the UK telecoms market in recent years. At the same time, the Government recognises the scale of the work required to ensure its successful implementation in the UK. That is why the Government has committed an initial investment of £250 million, to commence work to deliver our key priorities, which will include support for the necessary R&D to ensure that Open RAN meets the needs of the UK’s networks. The Government’s investment will be guided by the recommendations of the Diversification Taskforce which has outlined several priority areas that require further R&D for the development of Open RAN. These are product development and engineering, systems integration, verification testing, performance demonstration and network integration, and support services. Investment in these priority areas will seek to develop the technology so that it is at least as performant, efficient and secure as today’s traditional deployment methods. Investment will also foster the development of the key subsystems and software that will be required to build and operate open networks. The Government recognises that as well as supporting Open RAN development, it is equally important to encourage Open RAN adoption. Public commitments from UK operators demonstrate that the industry is committed to open and interoperable solutions that are capable of improving competition in the supply chain and delivering more resilient and diverse networks. Vodafone has recently committed to deploy Open RAN across 2,600 sites and other UK operators are taking proactive steps to support Open RAN trials. Industry support is further evidenced by recent commitments from major European operators including Vodafone, Deutsche Telecom, Orange and Telefonica to work together to drive Open RAN development. Finally, the Government’s view is that open standards, that will enable new technologies like Open RAN, must be underpinned by industry-led and global technical frameworks that support interoperability. That is why the Diversification Strategy set out the need for a comprehensive and holistic approach to standard setting for telecoms with security and interoperability at its heart. In particular, the Government will seek to ensure UK market interests are represented at global technical standards bodies, encourage more balanced participation by industry representatives, and enhance our strategic coordination with key partners.