4 Reasons Why Network Disaggregation is Non-Partisan

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Richard Brandon, VP of Strategy at RtBrick

The 2024 Trump vs. Harris election presents numerous polarizing issues that teeter headlines daily, including how federal spending should be allocated. Funding within the telecom and broadband space has been an issue of contention for years, most recently playing out in political moves like Trump’s rip-and-replace program, which aimed to eliminate outdated systems, and Biden’s BEAD program, meant to aid the digital divide.

Despite the political disparity on where funding should be spent, the modernization of telecom networks is essential, and network disaggregation offers a solution that can adapt to either administration’s needs and priorities. By opening networks through disaggregation, operators can improve network efficiency while enhancing the safety and security of Americans, providing a sense of reassurance in its adaptability. Disaggregation also serves as a cost-saving solution, enabling government funding to go further and do more.

Budgets in Today’s Political Landscape

Telecom infrastructure remains a crucial yet under-discussed policy issue in 2024. Trump and Harris offer distinct approaches, yet network disaggregation can serve either agenda. 

The Harris-Walz administration would continue to invest in broadband expansion, extending Biden’s effort to increase broadband access and bring digital equity to rural areas. Billions of dollars are already earmarked and distributed to states to support the development of next-generation telecom networks.

However, some GOP members from Congress are taking digs at the Harris campaign due to the slow pace of available funds. In some instances, it has taken ten months post-application for states to be approved because of niche requirements on federal affordability.

On the flip side, the Trump administration would zero in on national security, strongly emphasizing securing telecom infrastructure throughout the United States. We’d see programs like rip-and-replace at full speed, further mandating the removal of untrusted equipment from manufacturers like Huawei. 

Despite their divergent priorities, both the Harris and Trump administrations acknowledge the necessity of telecom modernization. Network disaggregation, with its flexibility and cost-effectiveness, and independence from untrusted vendors, stands out as a solution that can align with both agendas. This ensures that the telecom sector can navigate political shifts and continue advancing infrastructure resilience in the face of increasing network demands, evolving security risks, and budget constraints – irrespective of the administration in power.

Network Disaggregation: The Key to Effective Telecom Modernization

Network disaggregation refers to the separation of hardware and software, allowing operators more comprehensive flexibility for building, managing, and scaling their networks. This disruptive approach can be game changing for operators, regardless of political policy. Here are the four largest benefits telcos see when implementing open architecture:

1. Cost Efficiency

   One of the most notable advantages of network disaggregation is its potential to significantly reduce costs. By breaking free from vendor lock-in and the need to rely on costly proprietary hardware, telcos can leverage the commodity hardware and open software that works best for their networks, reducing capital and operational costs.

2. Unlimited Scalability

   With new technology advancing, telecom networks need to scale to accommodate innovations like 5G and AI. To meet the requirements of these advancements, telcos need their networks to keep up with the strain that emerging solutions press on the unprepared architecture. With networks having the ability to grow as needed, it’s then easier to adjust to the rising demand for capacity in the network.

3. Flexibility

   With the ability to choose the best components for each network function, telecom operators gain unprecedented flexibility. They can quickly adapt to changing market conditions, modify their networks as needed, and respond more efficiently to new challenges. By tailoring their infrastructure to specific demands, operators can remain agile and make rapid adjustments without being constrained by a single vendor’s technology, ensuring that networks can evolve seamlessly as market and political dynamics shift.

4. Enhanced Security

   With security at the forefront, disaggregation enables operators to select vendors they trust, ensuring that untrusted equipment is not deployed due to lack of choice or vendor lock-in. Further, when disaggregation is at play, the control and security are all housed in the software, allowing for faster updates and patches, segmentation to contain breaches, and a centralized AI hub to monitor deep visibility into the networks.

The Non-Partisan Solution

Network disaggregation is vital, aligning seamlessly with the positions of both parties. A red-led FCC supports Trump’s rip-and-replace policy by facilitating the replacement of untrustworthy hardware like that of Huawei and ZTE, with US-approved alternatives from trusted providers and software from trusted providers, like Taiwanese hardware. This bolsters national security and keeps telcos more agile in the event of a threat.

Alternatively, a blue-led FCC would have policies rooted in cost-efficient network expansion and promoting digital equity. A disaggregated approach enables operators to upgrade systems at a cost that works for them, making broadband more accessible for underserved communities. Additionally, disaggregation allows for scalable telecom infrastructure.

Disaggregation is the non-partisan answer to the calls from both parties; any of the needs for networks can be met, whether that’s bolstering security or closing the digital divide.

Future-Proof Networks through Disaggregated Architecture

The political landscape isn’t set to level out, but the more robust, secure, and cost-effective nature of disaggregated networks ensures they can withstand shifts in leadership despite opposing policy directions. Decoupling hardware and software gives operators the flexibility to make agile adjustments to infrastructure as regulatory changes and challenges arise, safeguarding networks for this election, and the next.

We’re closing in on the election, and regardless of who takes the Presidential position, operators need to begin implementing this tech now to meet whatever changes come down the line.

 

If you haven't already, please take our Reader Survey! Just 3 questions to help us better understand who is reading Telecom Ramblings so we can serve you better!

Categories: Government Regulations · Industry Viewpoint