A Thriving Open RAN Ecosystem Deploying Mobile Networks Around the World, New iGR White Paper Reveals

AUSTIN, Texas, April 29, 2020 (Newswire.com) - ​The Open RAN concept is about disaggregating the RAN functionality by building networks using a fully programmable, software-defined, mobile network solution based on open interfaces – radios, base stations, etc. – that run on commercial, off-the-shelf hardware (COTS) with open interfaces.  This concept is not new: around the world, mobile operators and network and technology vendors have been developing solutions, conducting trials and deploying networks for the last few years.

iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry, has written a white paper that provides an explanation of Open RAN, including its ecosystem and basic architecture. The paper includes extensive discussion, KPIs, and supporting data as to why Open RAN can, and is, being deployed now. The paper also provides summaries of several successful Open RAN deployments.

“The important point about Open RAN networks is that they are being successfully deployed today by major operators around the world," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR. “Early data shows performance and KPIs that equal current mobile network deployments from multiple MNOs.”

Open RAN software and hardware vendors have been developing network solutions for the last few years. As part of the research for this paper, iGR identified 22 publicly announced MNOs around the world using equipment from multiple vendors, including Altiostar, Mavenir and Parallel Wireless, who had deployed Open RAN in commercial networks. These MNOs have collectively just over 1.199 billion subscribers in their commercial networks and operate in countries or regions with a total population of more than 2.4 billion.

This means that these operators are responsible for 21.8 percent of the world’s mobile subscriber base. Furthermore, assuming the current trials convert to commercial deployments, iGR estimates that by 2024, Open RAN will be used by MNOs that collectively are responsible for 47.2 percent of the global subscriber base.

The main takeaway from the paper is that contrary to the information being published by legacy RAN vendors, Open RAN is real; Open RAN can be, and is being, deployed in commercial networks today; the Open RAN community is coalescing and coordinating to move deployments along; the cost savings are being realized; and operational performance requirements and KPIs are being met.

iGR’s new white paper, Open RAN Integration: Run with It provides an overview of the Open RAN ecosystem and basic architecture. The white paper also discusses the industry challenges that drive its implementation and the resulting benefits of its deployment and includes several case studies of successful Open RAN deployments.

The following key questions are addressed in the new white paper:

•    What is Open RAN?
   
•   What is the difference between virtualization and openness?
   
•    What are some of the challenges of the mobile industry that have driven the development of Open RAN?
   
•    What are some of the benefits, including cost savings, of Open RAN?
   
•   Where has Open RAN already been deployed successfully?
   
•    What solutions do Altiostar, Mavenir and Parallel Wireless offer to support Open RAN?

The new white paper can be downloaded at no charge directly from iGR’s website. Alternatively, email Iain Gillott for additional details.

About iGR

iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry.

Source: iGR