Washington, Feb 24 (.) The Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) has announced the selection of three US suppliers to deploy Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology nationwide, marking the first implementation of its kind in the Pacific region.
The milestone places Palau at the forefront of telecommunications innovation among Pacific Island nations and establishes a regional benchmark for secure, trusted, and resilient digital infrastructure. As the Pacific’s first Open RAN network, the initiative highlights Palau’s leadership in advancing next-generation connectivity across geographically dispersed island states.
The new network will strengthen secure 4G and 5G services, enhance digital supply chain resilience, and create expanded commercial opportunities for American technology providers. By diversifying vendors and improving interoperability, Open RAN reduces dependence on single suppliers while increasing network flexibility and security, a critical advancement for Pacific nations seeking trusted infrastructure solutions in an evolving geopolitical environment.
The project is being advanced in cooperation with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the United States, Australia, India, and Japan. The Quad has committed approximately USD 20 million to support the development of secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure in Palau.
The move builds on a 2023 announcement by the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) designating Palau as the site of the Pacific’s first Open RAN deployment, aimed at fostering a secure, resilient, and interconnected telecommunications ecosystem. Since then, the Quad has committed approximately $20 million to advance the initiative. Building on that foundation, the partnership is now expanding Open RAN collaboration to accelerate the delivery of trusted and secure technology solutions across the region.
Building on this foundation, the Quad plans to broaden support for ongoing Open RAN field trials and the Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA) in the Philippines, following an initial $8 million pledge earlier this year by the United States and Japan. Washington also intends to invest more than $7 million to support AORA’s global expansion, including the establishment of a first-of-its-kind large-scale Open RAN workforce training initiative in South Asia in partnership with Indian institutions.
Quad partners are further exploring additional Open RAN initiatives across Southeast Asia and potential collaboration with the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation to support Tuvalu’s readiness for nationwide 5G deployment.
Officials said the partnership not only strengthens Palau’s digital capabilities but also reinforces broader regional efforts to promote secure connectivity, trusted technology ecosystems, and sustainable economic growth throughout the Pacific. . .