O2 UK Follows Vodafone into Testing an OpenRAN Network

Mobile operator O2 (Telefonica UK) has today announced its own plans for an Open Radio Access Network (OpenRAN), which works to standardise the design and functionality of mobile network (3G, 4G or 5G) hardware and software (i.e. making network deployments more cost effective). Vodafone also plans O-RAN trials (here) in rural areas.

At present if an operator wants to buy mobile equipment then they can often only pick from a handful of big companies, while the OpenRAN approach can increase the number of companies by adopting a general-purpose, vendor-neutral hardware and software-defined technology approach (this specifically applies to the RAN side of things – infrastructure, masts and antennae).

OpenRAN was created within the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) industry association and is partly based on the work they did to develop a small cell technology for cities called Open CrowdCell (currently being used in Spain and Turkey). Small cells like this have a shorter range than masts and antennae, but use standardised hardware for which a range of suppliers can develop software applications.

O2 sees this as being particularly useful for coverage in hard to reach rural locations (e.g. an area with a very small population) or where a sharing model is more cost effective, such as dense urban locations where a large number of small cells are required.

O2’s OpenRAN Project and Partners

· Working with Mavenir, O2 is enhancing coverage and capacity in high-density environments in London, providing enhanced mobile connectivity and better customer experience where customers need it most from stadiums to shopping centres.

· With DenseAir, O2 is working at Millbrook to deploy both 4G and 5G networks over an O-RAN solution. O2 works with Millbrook Proving Ground as the public and private network provider of 5G connectivity for the testing and development of CAV technology. The neutral host Network will support collaboration on trials and tests of ITS networks at Millbrook.

· Coverage solutions are being developed with WaveMobile whose current O-RAN network is active on several sites across the UK including Woldingham, Surrey that carries mobile traffic for O2 customers. In the future this type of solution could be expanded to provide community based mobile services in ‘not spots’.

Brendan O’Reilly, CTO of O2, said:

“Connectivity is a lifeline for consumers and businesses alike and we’re committed to delivering the best possible network experience for our customers. O-RAN represents a really exciting opportunity to deliver better coverage, in more places, more of the time. By opening up our radio access network to smaller vendors, and as we look towards wider adoption of 5G, O-RAN will be part of the solution to bring the latest connectivity to more people around the country.”

The mobile operator expects commercial deployment of O-RAN to “pick up pace” over next 18-24 months.