Open RAN is a new mobile network technology concept replacing the current Radio Access
Network architecture based on vendor-specific implementations with an approach based
on standard specifications, using disaggregated functions working on general-purpose
hardware and supporting equipment interoperability from multiple vendors. Open RAN
helps mobile operators open their networks and allow rapid innovation and deployment of
new research and ideas in service automation, network visibility, data insight, intelligent
control, AI/ML, security, etc.
Open RAN and AI are set to revolutionize the future of wireless technology in the
commercial sector. By capitalizing on the advancements within existing 5G networks,
businesses are preparing to transition to 6G and beyond. This evolution requires a swift and
innovative approach to ensure that enterprises are equipped with cutting-edge data
management, transmission, and processing capabilities, meeting the demands of ultra-low
latency and high reliability.
Open RAN has been an area of industry prioritization in many countries. Over $1B in
government funding is dedicated to Open RAN R&D in the US alone. AT&T has set the goal of
70% of its RAN traffic being on an open platform by 2026. The UK government has set the
goal of 35% of network traffic being over Open RAN by 2030. Vodafone also has a goal of
30% of its European networks being Open RAN by 2030. Many technical issues need to be
addressed before Open RAN can deliver its promises.
ACM MobiCom is a premier international forum addressing mobile wireless networks. Open
RAN is one of the most important technological trends in industry. We need to have a
dedicated forum at the MobiCom conference to energize academic involvement and foster
exchanges and collaborations.
This workshop will explore the latest research activities in Open RAN networks, leveraging
open architecture, open interface, open-source technologies, and accessible software
APIs. This workshop will also explore AI technologies in RAN to enable new capabilities for
next-generation networks. The workshop will act as a forum for researchers and developers
across academia and industry to exchange ideas and share results on the design of future
mobile wireless networks. Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:
- RAN design, architecture, and implementation
- Open-source approaches, open-source components for RAN
- Analytical modeling and simulations
- RAN disaggregation, programmability, API design and standardization.
- Standard RAN components (RU, DU, CU, RIC/xApps/rApps, etc.)
- System design, cloud-native, AI-native
- Testbed and experimental networks
- AI, ML, LLMs for RAN
- RAN design for AI applications and workloads
- AI user cases for mobile wireless networks
- Security and privacy for the RAN
- Advances in software-defined radio
- Evolutions from 5G to 6G
- Non-terrestrial and unconventional RAN networks
Please email TPC co-chairs if you would like to participate or have any questions.
All paper submissions will be handled electronically at the submission website (details at the end of this page). All submitted papers will be evaluated through a double-blind reviewing process, with the identities of the authors withheld from the reviewers.
Before final submission, you are expected to make sure that your paper complies with the following requirements. Please do not violate these requirements with the aim of including additional material: submissions that violate the formatting requirements may not be reviewed.
Any papers that do not adhere to the following guidelines may be immediately rejected:
- Page limit: 6 pages. Authors may take an extra page for references.
- Font size no smaller than 10 points.
- Double column format with each column having dimensions 9.25 inches x 3.33 inches, a space of 0.33 inches between the two columns, and with no more than 55 lines of text per column.
- Fit properly on US letter-sized paper (8.5 inches by 11 inches).
- Submissions must be in PDF (Portable Document Format) authors should ensure that they are compatible with Adobe Acrobat (English version). Any other formats, including Postscript and MS-Word, will not be accepted.
- Authors' names must not appear anywhere in the paper or in the PDF file. The PDF file must also not contain any embedded hyperlinks, as these may compromise reviewer anonymity.
- Limit the file size to less than 15 MB: contact the PC chairs if you have a file larger than this limit.
- You may find these templates useful in complying with the above requirements. For Latex users, please use\documentclass[sigconf,10pt]{acmart}. But as an author, you bear the final responsibility to verify (manually or through the above online paper checker) that your submission is format-compliant.
- Accepted papers will be allowed to submit a final camera-ready version with 6 pages, excluding references, in 10 pt format. The references may take an extra page.
Poster/Demo
You can also present a poster or demo of your work. Demos and poster submissions should consist of a three-page abstract in the same format, describing the demonstration plan or the outline of the poster content.
- The title of these papers must bear a "Poster:"/"Demo:" prefix.
- Page limit: 3 pages including references, with 10 points font
Important Dates
- Paper Submission: July 15, 2026
- Paper Acceptance Notification: August 15, 2026
- Paper Camera Ready: August 30, 2026
- Workshop Date: Oct 30, 2026
Poster/Demo Submission: Same as paper submission deadlines
Submission website coming soon.
