RAN & Open RAN News
All the latest radio access network (RAN) and open RAN news involving BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
Network & Infrastructure
Nokia resumes O-RAN Alliance activity
Group revises procedures to alleviate concerns over US export rules. Deutsche Telekom is “fully committed” to the Alliance. USA considering clarifications for standards organisations.
Innovation (R&D)
DT: Open RAN not there yet, but developing fast
Deutsche Telekom’s view on open RAN state of play. Mixed bag: encouraging pace of development, but complexity reigns. Programmability capability is two to three years away. “Must have” automation needed to tackle integration challenge.
Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica gets nod for Colombian open RAN trial
Two Telefónica projects advance to a testing phase in Colombia’s Regulatory Sandbox initiative. Open RAN project builds on Internet para Todos rollout in Latin America. SOC targets real‑time network experience monitoring.
Network & Infrastructure
TPG Telecom pre-assembles 5G units to speed rollout
TPG accelerates 5G drive with new processes, spectrum, and research partnerships. Aims to cover 85% of population in six cities with 5G by the end of 2021.
M&A
Rakuten acquires Telefónica open RAN investment
Rakuten to acquire Altiostar, Telefónica minority investment and “partner of choice”. Telefónica relationship with the US‑based open RAN specialist extends beyond stake holding, with collaboration in network development and deployment in Europe and Latin America.
Network & Infrastructure
BT accelerates Huawei swap‑out and sets 2028 full 5G goal
By 2028 EE’s 5G network to reach 90% of landmass and the remainder “on‑demand”. Consumer and Network‑fronted event intended to stake BT’s claim for national network superiority, and development of a platform for growth. Exacting ESN connectivity demands pinned as a reason for open access caution, but accelerated Huawei ...
Innovation (R&D)
DT launches open RAN in Germany with massive MIMO
Operator switches on O‑RAN Town in Neubrandenburg. Dell, Fujitsu, Intel, Mavenir, NEC, and Supermicro all part of vendor mix. DT emphasises automation as “must have” to manage complexity. “Vendor‑independent” service management and orchestration framework developed. DT heavily involved in NGMN work at plugging R&D “industry gap” in determining best ...
Suppliers & SCM
Vodafone Group furthers shake-up with open RAN vendor picks
Capgemini Engineering, Dell Technologies, Keysight Technologies, NEC, Samsung, and Wind River selected for commercial UK deployment. Vodafone top brass insists that accelerating the pace of RAN innovation, rather than cost reduction, is initial the strategic driver for open RAN rollout. Quietly trimming UK open RAN site commitment from 2,600 ...
Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica España sticks by Ericsson, Nokia for ‘real’ 5G
Scandinavian duo reportedly selected for 5G SA rollout. No real surprise as Ericsson, Nokia already ensconced in 5G NSA RAN. Spanish government offers sweeteners for rescheduled 700MHz spectrum sale.
Network & Infrastructure
EE adopts Nokia’s SON
Operator implements Nokia’s Self‑Organizing Networks software in a bid to improve customer experience on its mobile networks. Nokia hails the deal as evidence of the strength of its BT account, which is said to have taken on a “continuous development” model.
Network & Infrastructure
Mixed Huawei 5G RAN messages remain in Europe
Vodafone Italy reportedly gets conditional approval to use Huawei 5G RAN equipment. Huawei’s position in Germany looks more vulnerable after IT Security 2.0 Bill becomes law.