Open RAN continues to transform the telecommunications landscape, fostering innovation, competition, and supplier diversity. As the open RAN revolution gains momentum, governments worldwide are recognizing the immense potential of Open RAN and are taking proactive steps to support its development and adoption. In this post, we’ll delve into recent initiatives and collaborations by governments, emphasizing the international significance of Open RAN.
- On September 14, the UK government, in collaboration with major mobile network operators, issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to Open RAN principles. Their collective goal is to enhance competition and innovation in the telecommunications sector, ultimately improving the security and resilience of critical network infrastructure. Notably, they are aiming for 35% of the UK’s network traffic to be carried over open and interoperable RAN architectures by 2030, a testament to their dedication to the technology’s development.
- In a landmark joint statement on September 8, India and the United States expressed their shared vision of secure telecommunications, resilient supply chains, and global digital inclusion. Prime Minister Modi and President Biden welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat 6G Alliance and Next G Alliance, which marks the beginning of deepened cooperation between vendors and operators, with a focus on Open RAN technology. The establishment of Joint Task Forces for Open RAN collaboration and research and development in 5G/6G technologies underscores their commitment. An exciting development is the planned 5G Open RAN pilot in a leading Indian telecom operator, in collaboration with a U.S. Open RAN manufacturer, highlighting the practical steps taken to make Open RAN a reality.
- Leaders from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States convened at Camp David on August 18 to discuss a range of strategic matters. Among them was the commitment to expand trilateral cooperation on Open RAN. This international collaboration seeks to promote open radio access network solutions, fostering innovation and interoperability among nations. Their shared focus on space security cooperation and AI governance further demonstrates the breadth of their commitment to modern technological advancements.
- Brazil’s communications regulator, Anatel, and the Japanese government inked a cooperation deal on August 11 with a multifaceted approach. This agreement is aimed at expanding Open RAN deployments and related technologies. Both nations commit to sharing knowledge on Open RAN initiatives, including spectrum policies and conducting tests. Additionally, the collaboration explores business opportunities between the two countries, highlighting the potential for cross-border innovation and cooperation in the field of Open RAN.
Remarkable strides are being made in supporting the adoption and deployment of Open RAN; recent international collaborations underscore the transformative potential of Open RAN in shaping the future of telecommunications. With government support and industry partnership, we can expect to witness the rapid evolution of open and interoperable telecommunications networks that benefit consumers, foster innovation, and strengthen critical infrastructure security.