Quad seeks to strengthen security architecture for Radio Access Networks beginning with Pacific region

New Delhi: The Quad leaders, at their Summit in Hiroshima on Saturday, made a significant announcement to strengthen security architecture for open Radio Access Networks or RAN beginning with Palau in the Pacific Region.The Quad welcomed a new in-depth report outlining cybersecurity considerations associated with using Open RAN as an approach to developing network architecture. The report demonstrates that Open RAN offers important cybersecurity advantages, that risks sometimes attributed to Open RAN are common to traditional RAN deployments as well, and that these risks can be mitigated and managed through the recommendations presented in the report.The report will inform Quad members’ domestic and shared approaches to Open RAN security priorities and will also serve as a global resource to support adoption of open, interoperable, and trusted network architectures.

The Quad will partner with the Government of Palau and the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) to design, implement, and operationalise the deployment of Open RAN capabilities, the Summit announced.

This initiative will modernise Palau’s national mobile network, establish an Open RAN deployment in partnership with local stakeholders, and support its sustainable operation. It was announced that the United States Trade and Development Agency will fund a technical assistance grant to scope the size and scale of the project, the Australian Government will support the project and Quad partners may provide further support.

This Open RAN deployment will advance more secure, trusted, resilient, adaptable, and cost-effective connectivity in Palau while maintaining service for users. This deployment will strengthen Palau’s status as a regional leader in ICT and digital connectivity, with this being the first deployment of the technology planned in the region, according to the Quad leaders.

It may be pointed out that Palau maintains close political linkages with the USA and Japan and is one of those countries that enjoys diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The QUIN, a network of investors and executives across Quad countries that seeks to foster co-investment in critical technologies, was also officially launched at the Summit. The QUIN is focused on strategic partnerships and investments to increase resilient supply chains for critical and emerging technologies by Quad nations.

The QUIN will facilitate access to capital and facilitate technology partnerships through the establishment of an Advisory Board of business leaders and expert working groups to advance the prosperity and security of the Indo-Pacific Region.

Meanwhile, it was decided under the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience that Australia will establish a new Indo-Pacific Cable Connectivity and Resilience Program to share best practice and provide technical assistance to Indo-Pacific governments. The United States is providing technical assistance and capacity building on the security of undersea cable systems through its $5 million CABLES program. This partnership will improve access to develop trusted and secure cable systems and establish better internet connectivity and resiliency in the Indo-Pacific.