Rakuten Symphony announced significant progress with its Real Open RAN Licensing Program by partnering with Cisco Systems, Airspan Networks, and Tech Mahindra. This initiative aims to spread adoption of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology across global telecom markets.
Airspan and Tech Mahindra are tasked with reselling Rakuten Symphony’s Open RAN software licenses to telecom operators worldwide. Additionally, Rakuten is set to collaborate with Cisco to create a private 5G mobile network. This network leverages Cisco’s Mobility Services Platform and Rakuten’s Open RAN solutions, with Tech Mahindra serving as Rakuten’s preferred systems integrator.
In essence, these collaborations are expected to simplify and fully program mobile networks. Furthermore, enterprises of all sizes will benefit from improved access to mission-critical applications, ensuring they are ready for the next phase, 5G Advanced. Masum Mir from Cisco emphasizes the importance of this partnership in promoting wider adoption of 5G services and fostering a transformative digital future.
Rakuten Symphony’s Real Open RAN Licensing Program, introduced last year, was called a “ground-breaking initiative.” It is designed to democratize global RAN technology by offering software through an open community model.
Sharad Sriwastawa, Rakuten Symphony’s president, highlighted the significance of partnerships with Cisco, Airspan, and Tech Mahindra. He stated, “This collaboration showcases our commitment to support mobile operators and equipment vendors as they tackle challenges associated with next-generation network deployment.”
