In a first in the Indo-Pacific, Quad is helping the archipelago nation of Palau in the western Pacific Ocean upgrade its telecom network. India, Australia, Japan, and the United States have pledged around $20 million for the upgradation.
In a first, the Quad is helping the archipelago nation of Palau in the western Pacific Ocean set up secure telecommunication networks under a $20 million initiative.
The Department of State on Monday said that Palau has selected three US companies to build its 4G and 5G network under the Quad initiative.
Since the early 2010s, Chinese vendors have become dominant suppliers of telecom infrastructure worldwide. Their domination has long concerned like‑minded nations like India and the United States, which recognise the security risks of relying on Chinese infrastructure.
Under the Quad, India, Australia, Japan, and the United States have joined hands to help nations adopt reliable non‑Chinese technologies and equipment that not only counter China’s global influence but also address security risks posed by such infrastructure in the strategic Indo‑Pacific region.
In the “landmark” initiative with Palau, Quad member‑states have pledged around $20 million to support secure, trusted, and resilient telecommunications infrastructure in the country, and will continue to advance digital and economic prosperity in the Pacific, the Department of State said.
What is the Open RAN system that the Quad is helping Palau adopt?
Under the Quad initiative, the Palau National Communications Corporation has selected three US companies to deploy Open Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies nationwide. This would be the first time the Open RAN framework is deployed in the Indo‑Pacific.
Unlike the traditional ‘closed RAN’ system, where one vendor provides everything, ‘Open RAN’ is a newer approach in which hardware and software are separated, equipment from different vendors can work together, and many network functions run on the cloud or standard servers instead of proprietary hardware.
In recent years, countries have preferred the Open RAN system because it reduces dependence on a few major vendors like Huawei or Ericsson and allows operators to mix and match. It also lowers costs by encouraging competition and improves supply‑chain resilience.
The approach is also seen as strategically secure, as it reduces the risk of vulnerability to vendor‑inserted backdoors—risks that are higher in single‑vendor systems.
RAN itself is the part of a telecom network that connects a phone to the service operator’s core network through towers, antennas, and radios.
“This network represents the first Open RAN deployment in the Pacific—a major step forward for trusted telecommunications infrastructure in the region. This critical technology will enhance secure 4G and 5G connectivity, improve digital supply chain resilience, and create new business opportunities for American companies,” the Department of State said in a statement about Palau’s deal with US companies under the Quad initiative.
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