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.
Vodafone is expanding its devotion to Open RAN technology, joining forces with Nokia in a progressive venture in Italy. The initiative aligns with Vodafone’s Open RAN directive, largely centered in the UK, and extends influence to the Italian telecom landscape. With this first commercial 5G Open RAN pilot in Italy, they aim to prove Nokia’s Open RAN solution matches the functionality and quality of traditional RAN. With an eye on promoting automated, adaptable networks for the ever-growing demand of responsive 5G services, such innovation bolsters the EU’s digital sovereignty and global competitiveness.
Telecom giants Vodafone and Orange are breaking new ground with the first real-life 4G calls over a common shared network in an Open RAN setting. Stemming from a landmark endeavor near Bucharest, this initiative provides a glimpse into the potential strengths of an Open RAN-based network. What’s more? The progress doesn’t halt at 4G. The duo are set to soon take down another first – operating 2G and subsequently 5G, over shared Open RAN sites. Both operators see this as a model for extending mobile networks throughout rural Europe.
Five nations have formed a global alliance, ambitiously named the Global Coalition on Telecommunications (GCOT), a promising step towards international cooperation in the telecommunication arena. Set to modernize Open RAN, enhance 6G, and resolve security issues linked to China, this consolidates the efforts of five major entities across UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the U.S. The coalition aims to better integrate policy matters and drive growth within the industry. However, uncertainty looms over the form this alliance will take in future, prompting intense interest within the telecom sector.
In collaboration with technology giants like HPE, Casa Systems, Mavenir and Dell Technologies, Orange Spain launches Open RAN nodes allied with a cloud-native 5G SA core network. This pilot project notches a triumph in network deployment within an hour, brandishing the power of automation in modern technologies. While this showcases POTENTIAL for end-to-end virtual networks management and elevates energy efficiency, a sense of guarded optimism is needed, given a drop in Open RAN and vRAN revenues in Q2 2023.
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.
Vodafone’s collaboration with Salience Labs and iPronics aims to advance open radio access networks (open RAN) by harnessing the potential of silicon photonic chips. This light-based technology could promise enhanced network programmability and ultra-low latency powered by their increased speed and reduced energy consumption — elevating critical 5G capabilities. With silicon photonics making waves in data centers, the industry, poised for rapid growth, radiates intrigue on the horizon. Yet, it also questions current cost dynamics, especially around open RAN technology.
The unveiling of Apple’s four new iPhone models sparked a surprising underwhelm in the tech community. Meanwhile, debates rose regarding China’s nimble navigation around US tech embargoes, especially regarding iPhone use. No less intriguing were the discussions around Open RAN – tech pioneers revisited this initiative with the UK’s recent efforts to regain Open RAN momentum.
Prominent UK telecom companies like BT, VMO2, and Vodafone have been selected beneficiaries of government funding for research into Open RAN technology. Innovative projects, with a focus ranging from energy efficiency to security, will share in the £88 million ($121 million) funding. The main goal is to figure out whether Open RAN can rival traditional RAN, especially in high-traffic areas and rural deployments, in terms of cost, reliability and energy consumption.
Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with AirHop, Juniper Networks, VIAVI Solutions, and VMware, has been testing the waters to leverage telecom technology bound by Open RAN specifications. Treading an intriguing path of innovation, they trialed Non-RT RIC technology by performing a RAN closed-loop optimization proof, embraced by ONAP and Open RAN standards. The journey unfolded two pivotal use case scenarios revolving around PCI optimization and energy-saving dynamics powered by AI and machine learning.
