Harald Berninghaus, representing Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), reflected on the country's substantial investment in Open RAN. He explained that Germany provided 50% of the initial funding for projects such as the i14y Lab and O-RAN deployments in Neubrandenburg and Plauen. Berninghaus emphasized that this investment, initially part of an economic recovery package following the COVID-19 crisis, has exceeded expectations. The international recognition garnered by the i14y Lab and the involvement of major telecom operators underscore its success.
Looking ahead, Berninghaus expressed hope for more companies to engage in testing and deployment, marking a step toward Open RAN maturation. His comments hint at a future where Open RAN plays a key role in fostering innovation, and government-industry collaboration continues to strengthen.