In a move to advance Open RAN technology, UK-based tech incubator Digital Catapult has introduced outdoor testing facilities through its SONIC (SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre) Labs programme. The initiative aims to provide a real-world environment for firms to explore the practical value of Open RAN applications.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is joining forces with TELUS to pioneer Canada’s inaugural 5G open radio access network (Open RAN), marking a significant advancement in the country’s mobile connectivity infrastructure. By supplying essential infrastructure across 3,000 locations, this collaboration aims to revolutionize the way Canadians connect, offering faster and more responsive mobile services.
In a significant move to bolster innovation and development in mobile network technology, the US government, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), has allocated $42.3 million to support research in Open RAN. This investment is part of a larger $1.5 billion Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund aimed at enhancing the Open RAN ecosystem. Leading the charge are telecom giants AT&T and Verizon, in collaboration with a consortium that includes notable academic institutions, industry manufacturers, and international telecom operators NTT DoCoMo from Japan and Reliance Jio from India.
IS-Wireless has marked a significant milestone in Poland’s telecommunications sector, unveiling the country’s first 5G campus network. Designed on the Open RAN model and utilizing local frequencies, this implementation at Bialystok University of Technology is primed to cultivate future 5G and 6G experts. The Open RAN, a rapidly expanding telecommunications model, allows for the integration of versatile components, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution.
In a significant move for the telecommunications sector, Parallel Wireless has partnered with SUSE to integrate the SUSE Adaptive Telco Infrastructure Platform (ATIP) into its Open RAN solutions. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in enhancing the flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness of managing and processing data in network operations.
In a groundbreaking move, AT&T has selected Ericsson as the primary supplier for its Open RAN equipment, set to handle 70% of its wireless traffic by the close of 2026. The five-year agreement, valued at an impressive $14 billion, signals a significant shift in the North American telecommunications landscape. Under the deal, Ericsson will replace some of Nokia’s equipment in specific areas of AT&T’s network.
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.
Dish’s recent announcement differentiates them as the first operator to amalgamate both 2 uplink and 4 downlink 5G carriers, reaching compelling speeds with such configuration. Despite skepticism around Open RAN’s performance, Dish continues to silence critics and signifies an exciting possibility for future network builds.
In an exciting move, Vodafone and Arm have united to innovate within the telecom industry, developing an adaptable platform with Arm-based processors ideal for Open RAN base stations. Their collaborative effort showcases both parties’ commitment in enriching the competitive Open RAN landscape, offering robust computational power for 5G services and improved energy efficiency. In addition, illustrious companies like SynaXG, Ampere Computing, and Fujitsu are lending their expertise to test and validate this technology. The joint venture also presents opportunities for Vodafone to reach its net-zero targets.
In a pioneering collaboration, Samsung, Vodafone, and Orange have achieved a significant breakthrough by completing the first 4G calls over shared networks in rural Romania using Open RAN technology. This milestone, with the promise of integrating 2G and 5G, signifies a transformative step towards more efficient, sustainable, and innovative telecommunications.
