ATIS Launches Open Access Network Forum with Goal of Enabling Scalable Open-Access Fiber Deployments in North America
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2026 — ATIS today announced the launch of the Open Access Network Forum (OANF), a collaborative venue for ISPs, open-access infrastructure providers, and technology partners to align on the principles, architectures, and operating models needed to scale open-access fiber in North America.
By developing a unified Open Access Implementation Specification that covers business, operational, technical, and regulatory considerations, the Forum will reduce integration complexity, improve interoperability, shorten time-to-market for new service providers, and help direct more resources toward fiber deployment rather than bespoke integrations. The effort supports greater competition, expanded consumer choice, and sustainable infrastructure growth.
“OANF will help bring greater consistency to how open-access networks are designed, integrated, and operated, making it easier for service providers to launch and expand services for end users across the North American market,” said ATIS President and CEO Susan Miller. “This initiative is another way ATIS is advancing ICT industry transformation by helping simplify service enablement in open-access environments.”
The OANF leadership consists of Chair Scott Baker, AT&T Corporate ServiceNow Platform Architecture, AT&T Technology Services, and Vice Chair Sajan Parikh, Chief Technology Officer at COS Systems.
“It’s a privilege to co-chair OANF and to work alongside stakeholders across the open-access community to help align on practical, scalable approaches for open-access fiber,” said Baker. “AT&T was an early adopter of the open-access model in North America, and we’re excited about what broader adoption and stronger interoperability across the ecosystem can unlock for the industry.”
The Forum will convene its inaugural meeting on February 26, bringing together stakeholders to confirm initial priorities, refine the technical work plan, and begin outlining early deliverables. The inaugural meeting is open to all interested industry participants.
Learn more about the OANF including your organization’s options for ATIS membership to become part of this exciting work at oanf.atis.org.
