Open RAN: Important to India’s 5G success but a road with challenges
Analysts say that Open Radio Access Network, or O-RAN as it is called, could significantly reduce a telco’s network deployment costs as it is interoperable with other networks such as 4G. It also encourages innovation instead of replacing network gear to introduce new features and functions.
Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have warmed up to the idea of testing O-RAN for their prospective services. While Bharti has tied up with the likes of Intel, Qualcomm, Tata to explore O-RAN opportunities, Vodafone Group which owns a stake in Vodafone Idea, has joined forces with Qualcomm. Top Indian carrier Reliance Jio Infocomm is testing its own 5G O-RAN solution in several cities.
Through Open RAN, one can use software updates to affect change shortening upgrade and innovation cycles and with relatively shorter propagation available in the airwaves to be used for 5G, companies will likely have to put up a high number of base stations to have a deep coverage, leaving little scope for them to save any cost on that front.
As India’s telecom carriers gear up for launching 5G services in a country that has struggled with low tariffs, they are banking on a cost-effective yet a growing technology to make the services accessible to hundreds of millions amid a rush in consumption of internet services.
Open RAN architecture has thrown opportunities for Indian software, equipment makers and system integrators to capture a piece of the growing global 5G market. Now, with Open RAN, telecom players have flexibility to use solutions from multiple vendors. Telcos are looking beyond traditional vendors to bring in innovation through Open RAN and cut dependence on traditional vendors.
O-RAN Alliance was founded in February 2018 by AT&T, China Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, NTT Docomo and Orange.
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