NEC Corporation has obtained O-RAN Certification from Japan OTIC (Open Testing & Integration Centres) for its MB5450 5G base station radio unit (RU), certifying that the RU conforms with the O-RAN Fronthaul Interface Specifications established by the Open Radio Access Network Alliance (O-RAN ALLIANCE). This RU has been delivered to Rakuten Symphony and is being deployed globally.
Viavi Solutions Inc. has made waves at the 2024 RIC Forum, held in Dallas, Texas. The company proudly showcased its TeraVM RIC Test and TM500 Network Tester in various demonstrations, further solidifying its commitment to cutting-edge collaborations within the telecom industry.
In a groundbreaking move, Mavenir is joining forces with Terrestar Solutions, a satellite operator based in Canada, to pioneer a project that seamlessly blends satellite connectivity with Open RAN terrestrial networks. This collaboration, revealed just before the Mobile World Congress (MWC), aims to offer users across the globe uninterrupted connectivity by merging satellite and terrestrial network capabilities.
NEC, a leading Japanese technology firm, has unveiled a groundbreaking Radio Access Network (RAN) optimization tool, revolutionizing how remote-controlled devices, such as robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), maintain connection stability and performance within 5G networks. By harnessing advanced artificial intelligence (AI), NEC’s solution promises to deliver unparalleled improvements in both the performance and reliability of these critical devices.
Japanese telecommunications giant NTT Docomo is set to revolutionize its commercial network with the adoption of Nokia’s Open RAN compliant 5G AirScale baseband kit. The comprehensive deployment includes both Centralized Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) software, emphasizing Nokia’s industry leadership in the mobile communication sector.
Italian telecom provider Wind Tre faces hurdles in selling infrastructure due to complex 5G network sharing negotiations with rivals Iliad and Fastweb. CK Hutchison delays the deal closure by three months to February 12, citing challenges with Iliad and Fastweb. Meanwhile, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s $6 billion merger in Indonesia with Huawei’s support achieves significant growth. France’s Orange introduces satellite broadband, while Norway’s Telenor sells its satellite operations. FCC’s new broadband rules target discrimination, raising concerns of unintended consequences. Mavenir and Nokia achieve remarkable Open RAN interoperability, overcoming past criticisms and showcasing commitment to multi-supplier systems.
IBM has introduced Watsonx Code Assistant, an AI-powered tool for enterprise software development. Riga Technical University partners with IS-Wireless to advance 5G Open RAN technology. Snom’s phones are certified for NetSapiens, streamlining deployment for telecom resellers. Google Maps enhances user experience with AI-powered features, offering Immersive View, improved navigation, and EV charging information, striving to outperform competitors.
Swedish telecom giant, Ericsson, is making strides in harnessing the virtues of Open and Cloud RAN through a series of noteworthy offerings and trailblazing collaborations. Recent ventures with Telefónica on joint Cloud RAN trials underline a shared vision for a dynamic, open network architecture. This exploration goes beyond mainstream, incorporating automation and intelligent orchestration, with potential benefits to macro networks and enterprise applications alike. Ericsson’s commitment to open standards is further emphasized through successful deployment of radio hardware ready for next-gen open fronthaul technology and an intriguing pledge to offer an expansive Open RAN portfolio by next year.
Despite the complexities, the Telecoms.com survey reveals an exciting consensus: The enterprise private networks may become a 5G goldmine in the next few years. Interestingly, the mobile edge’s role shows signs of decrease. But what about Multi-Access Edge Computing and the high cost of managing mixed networks? And how can vendor selection help overcome security concerns? With both telecoms and customers keen on leveraging 5G’s potential, it’s a thrilling tale of advancement and challenges.
Nokia’s recent summer launches showcase significant advancements in their AirScale portfolio, utilizing ReefShark chips and optimization for 5G SA and 5G-Advanced. Additionally, their AI-powered network management solutions ensure increased efficiency for future network evolution.
