As 5G technologies continue evolving dynamically, Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) has moved from early-stage development into a more mature phase, fostering a more innovative and diversified telecommunications ecosystem and laying an essential foundation for the future development of next-generation communications such as 6G. To strengthen collaboration between Taiwan and international communications communities, the Industrial Development Administration (IDA), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the "2025 5G Summit" on October 20 in Taipei, marking the third consecutive year of this flagship forum of international communications communities.

     The event invited 16 stakeholders, including international telecom operators, system integrators, software vendors, and testing labs from eight countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Indonesia. Key participants included Verizon, the second-largest U.S. telecom operator, Rakuten Mobile of Japan, the OREX SAI led by NTT DOCOMO, Viettel High Tech of Vietnam and Mobicom of Mongolia. Together with 37 Taiwanese network and communications companies, participants exchanged insights on AI-enabled network automation, Open RAN deployment, and global cooperation in next-generation communications.

     In his opening remarks, Director-General Chiou Chyou-Huey of IDA highlighted that Taiwan's strengths in semiconductors and ICT have made it a trusted and resilient partner in the global supply chain. The Taiwanese government has collaborated with the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) to establish a TIP-certified Open Network Laboratory in Taiwan. The lab provides an interoperable testing environment aligned with international standards and helps domestic vendors develop globally compatible Open RAN solutions. It also works closely with government-backed laboratories in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany to strengthen joint testing and certification efforts. To date, nine Taiwanese companies have earned TIP certifications for Open RAN solutions that meet international interoperability requirements. In recent years, the government and industry have jointly advanced 137 projects across multiple sectors, focusing on developing and validating value-added applications for commercial deployment. Approximately half of these projects involve AI-enabled smart manufacturing, showcasing Taiwan's ability to integrate 5G and AI innovations.

     Taiwan's ICT industry continues to deepen its role in international telecom infrastructure cooperation. UfiSpace's 400G Open Transport Router has become a key component for major telecom operators in the United States and Europe. The company is also collaborating with NTT DATA to develop AI-driven open optical transmission technologies that support future 6G networks. Meanwhile, MTI received funding through the Wireless Innovation Fund (NOFO 2), administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, to develop and commercialize O-RU integration technology in collaboration with global partners. These achievements underscore international recognition of Taiwan's technological innovation and its steady growing contributions to next-generation communications.

     During the forum, international delegates visited the Asia New Bay Area 5G AIoT Demonstration Site in Kaohsiung, organized by the Industrial Development Administration (IDA), MOEA. Delegates will witness 5G applications in smart port operations and offshore fisheries, including a vessel-based 5G private network integrated with drones and AI vision systems that assist in oceanic resource mapping. The delegation also visited several Taiwanese companies, such as LITE-ON and Ataya, which specialize in Open RAN and AI-based network automation solutions, gaining deeper insights into Taiwan's technological strengths and innovative applications.

     The Open RAN approach, characterized by open interfaces and diversified supply chains, has become a key driver of innovation in global telecommunications. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the O-RAN Alliance have initiated discussions on the division of responsibilities in 6G standardization, with Open RAN expected to remain a central focus in future 6G development. Looking ahead, the MOEA will continue to work closely with Taiwan and international communications stakeholders to advance next-generation communications technologies, while deepening and broadening collaboration with the global ecosystem to promote a diverse, reliable, and secure global supply chain.

Director-General Chiou Chyou-Huey of IDA, MOEA (front row, center), attended the 2025 5G Summit, joining representatives from 16 telecom and technology organizations across eight countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Indonesia.