by Vodafone has announced its partnership with Intel to develop purpose-built chipsets for Open RAN (Radio Access Network) technology. Open RAN allows mobile operators to use equipment from different suppliers, offering increased flexibility and reducing dependence on proprietary solutions. With this collaboration, Vodafone aims to promote the adoption of Open RAN networks.
As part of its commitment to Open RAN, Vodafone recently made its first 4G calls using Open RAN over network sites shared with Orange in Romania. The successful pilot showcased the potential of Open RAN technology in delivering reliable connectivity.
Vodafone is also collaborating with Nokia to pilot Open RAN technology in Italy. The partnership aims to demonstrate that Nokia’s Open RAN solution can achieve the same functionality and performance as purpose-built RANs. By partnering with key industry players, Vodafone intends to accelerate the development and deployment of Open RAN networks.
In addition to these partnerships, Vodafone agreed to collaborate with Intel in 2022 to explore the design of its own chip architecture. The chipsets created as a result of this collaboration will be made available to third-party vendors, allowing them to test their own algorithms without major financial investments. Vodafone’s director of network architecture, Santiago Tenorio, affirmed that the ability to produce silicon designs in testing sample quantities will significantly speed up innovation delivery.
By combining Vodafone’s networking expertise with Intel’s strength in silicon architecture design, the collaboration aims to facilitate rapid prototyping, verification, and testing, ultimately leading to faster mass production of the chips necessary to accelerate the adoption of Open RAN technology.
Vodafone’s successful implementation of Open RAN calls in partnership with Orange and its ongoing collaboration with Nokia highlight the potential of Open RAN networks in transforming the telecommunications industry. As mobile operators look for more flexible and cost-effective solutions, Open RAN offers a promising alternative to proprietary technologies.
With the support of Intel and other industry leaders, Vodafone plans to drive the development and adoption of Open RAN networks, enabling greater competition, innovation, and connectivity for customers. By fostering an open ecosystem, Vodafone aims to create a more diverse and resilient telecommunications landscape.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
