Perkins Coie Advises Viavi Solutions on NTIA $21.7M Funding Award to Advance 5G and Open Radio Access Networks

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 16, 2024)—Perkins Coie is pleased to have advised Viavi Solutions Inc., a global leader in communications test and measurement and optical technologies, on its successful grant application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and an award of $21.7 million to advance 5G and Open Radio Access Network networks.

Viavi Solutions secured the NTIA funding for its VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR) through an unprecedented government initiative under the CHIPS and Science Act that seeks to advance U.S. global leadership in new wireless networks, boost competition, and provide an enhanced telecommunications infrastructure.

"We're proud to secure this significant grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to enable more affordable and innovative Open RAN testing to advance 5G and next generation wireless networks," said Kevin Siebert, Viavi Solutions Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. "Open RAN networks and their interoperability accelerate and secure America's telecommunications supply chain and promote competitiveness in the global economy."

The Perkins Coie advisory team included partner Marc Martin, the firmwide chair of Perkins Coie's Communications Industry Group, and associate Brandon Thompson.

The NTIA grant of $21.7 million in funding will be provided to Viavi Solutions over a three-year performance period for its Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR). The VALOR solution is designed to manage and support 5G and Open RAN projects that would benefit from access to tools and expert staff with a minimal ramp-up time. For more information, please see Viavi Solutions' press release here.