Vodafone UK has become the first UK mobile operator to switch on an OpenRAN 4G site, partnering with Mavenir, the industry’s only end-to-end cloud-native Network Software Provider for Communications Service Providers (CSPs).
(September 2, Total Telecom)
Jan Stryjak's key takeaways:
- Not only is this about cost-effectively extending 4G services to rural communities, but more importantly, it is about introducing new suppliers into the radio network after the Huawei ban.
- OpenRAN is gaining momentum in Europe, with operators given an extra incentive to diversify their vendor portfolio. While this is "only" a 4G service, it will be interesting to see how this develops as 5G picks up speed.