US War Dept storms MWC with 'OCUDU' plan to blow open 5G and 6G

The US Department of Defense is working with the Linux Foundation on a new initiative called "OCUDU" that aims to open up how 5G and future 6G networks are built. Announced at Mobile World Congress, the effort targets the radio access network, the part of mobile networks that connects phones and devices to the core system.

OCUDU’s backers want more modular, software-driven networks that use open interfaces instead of proprietary systems from a few large vendors. By pushing open-source components and shared standards into the RAN, the Defense Department and the Linux Foundation say they hope to broaden the supplier base, reduce lock-in, and speed up innovation for both military and commercial 5G and 6G deployments.