Rakuten Mobile, a key player in the Open RAN ecosystem, has confirmed its commitment to support the commercial deployment of Open Radio Units (RUs) developed by US-based vendors. This aligns with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) efforts to accelerate Open RAN adoption in the United States.
Rakuten’s Role in Advancing Open RAN Deployment
As part of the NTIA’s initiative, Rakuten Mobile will collaborate with selected RU vendors to support the rollout of Open RAN networks. The initiative, backed by the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, is designed to stimulate innovation and competition in the US wireless market while diversifying the global supply chain.
The focus of Open RAN technology is to enable telecom providers to “mix and match” network solutions from multiple vendors, breaking the constraints imposed by traditional proprietary equipment. Rakuten’s experience in Open RAN deployment in Japan positions it as a valuable partner for the NTIA’s US-based efforts.
Key Partners and Vendors for Open RAN
Rakuten Mobile will work alongside several key vendors selected by the NTIA for this project. These include:
- Battelle Memorial Institute
- Microelectronics Technology
- Eridan Communications
- Airspan Networks
Rakuten will assist these vendors in verifying and integrating their Open RUs, helping them meet the requirements for commercial deployment. This collaboration will also include proof-of-concept trials to ensure the technology’s readiness for large-scale deployment in commercial networks.
Proof-of-Concept Trials and Deployment Support
Rakuten Mobile will leverage its Open RAN-compatible distributed units (DUs) and centralized units (CUs) through Rakuten Symphony. These technologies will be key components in the testing and validation of Open RAN equipment in real-world environments. By running trials in commercial networks, Rakuten aims to demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of Open RAN solutions.
This approach mirrors Rakuten’s success in deploying an Open RAN-based network across Japan, which has proven to be highly efficient and cost-effective. The experience gained from these deployments will play a critical role in the US market’s adoption of Open RAN technologies.
Open RAN Funding and US Government Support
The US government has shown significant support for the Open RAN initiative, with the NTIA announcing a funding program to further its development. A total of up to $420 million has been allocated to encourage the commercialization and innovation of Open RAN solutions.
In addition to the NTIA’s funding, major US telecom operators, including Verizon and AT&T, have received grants to support their own Open RAN efforts. Verizon, for example, was awarded $42 million to advance its Open RAN initiatives in 2023. This financial backing underscores the importance of Open RAN in reshaping the telecom landscape in the US.
Rakuten’s Global Open RAN Partnerships
Rakuten Mobile has been a trailblazer in the Open RAN movement, building a nationwide network in Japan based on Open RAN standards. In recent years, Rakuten has expanded its Open RAN footprint through partnerships with global telecom operators. Notably, in 2023, Ukrainian carrier Kyivstar signed an Open RAN network deal with Rakuten, further cementing Rakuten’s role as a key player in the Open RAN ecosystem.
Additionally, Rakuten opened the Rakuten Open RAN Customer Experience Center in the UK, offering a collaborative environment for operators and vendors to test and refine Open RAN solutions.
The Future of Open RAN in the US
With substantial investments from both the US government and private sector players, the adoption of Open RAN in the United States is poised for significant growth. Rakuten Mobile’s involvement in the commercial deployment of Open RAN will help accelerate the transition to more flexible, cost-effective network architectures. As the telecom industry continues to evolve, Open RAN is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping the next generation of wireless networks.
FAQ
1. What is Open RAN?
Open RAN is a technology standard that allows telecom operators to mix and match network equipment from different vendors, promoting competition and flexibility in network infrastructure.
2. How will Rakuten Mobile contribute to Open RAN in the US?
Rakuten Mobile will support the commercial deployment of Open RUs developed by US vendors, assist in the verification and integration of these units, and help conduct proof-of-concept trials in real-world commercial networks.
3. What is the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund?
This fund is a US government initiative aimed at supporting the development of Open RAN technologies and enhancing the competitiveness of the wireless supply chain.
4. What role do the NTIA and US telecom operators play in Open RAN adoption?
The NTIA provides funding and support for Open RAN initiatives, while US telecom operators like Verizon and AT&T are investing in the technology to transform their network infrastructures.
5. How does Open RAN benefit telecom operators?
Open RAN allows operators to reduce costs, increase network flexibility, and avoid vendor lock-in by enabling them to choose from multiple suppliers for different network components.
