Samsung and O2 Telefonica have unveiled their inaugural virtualised RAN (vRAN) and Open RAN commercial site in Landsberg am Lech, Bavaria, marking a significant milestone in Germany’s mobile network evolution. This deployment represents the premiere integration of Samsung’s 5G vRAN technology into a German commercial network.
The collaboration, first announced in October 2023, initially focused on testing vRAN and Open RAN technologies. Following successful trials in Munich, the partnership has now progressed to real-world deployment with the launch in Landsberg am Lech, with plans underway to expand to seven additional sites in the region.
Open RAN, known for its flexibility and diverse vendor options, enables operators to assemble network components from various providers, fostering innovation and competition within the supply chain. Both vRAN and Open RAN promote network flexibility and innovation through virtualisation, facilitating rapid integration of new technologies and services.
Mallik Rao, Chief Technology & Information Officer of O2 Telefonica, emphasized the importance of integrating new network solutions to enhance customer connectivity. Open RAN, Rao explained, supports network automation, expedites updates, and enhances network component flexibility.
Samsung’s intelligent network automation solutions will be pivotal in the next phase of this collaboration, streamlining software-based network updates across thousands of sites simultaneously. This automation promises to significantly accelerate the deployment of new technologies and updates, crucial for the rapid expansion of 5G applications like augmented reality that demand ultra-low latency.
The Landsberg am Lech site stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of Germany’s mobile network infrastructure, showcasing the transformative potential of vRAN and Open RAN technologies in shaping the future of connectivity and mobile services.
