Overview:

A few years ago, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) were excited at the prospect of drastically reducing the cost of mobile infrastructure by replacing proprietary hardware with open RAN alternatives. However, open RAN has been more difficult to implement than initially envisaged and it is only now that limited deployment of open RAN by major MNOs is beginning to happen.

This Viewpoint looks at the benefits and challenges of deploying open RAN infrastructure across 4G and 5G networks and provides details of the deployment plans of major MNOs around the world, including information about key trials and initial commercial services.

Table of Contents:

• Snapshot
• Key Planning Assumptions
• Introduction
• Benefits of Open RAN for MNOs
• Greenfield Open RAN Deployments
• Legacy Network Open RAN Deployments and Trials
• Enterprises
• Testing and Integration Initiatives
• Market Challenges
• Viewpoint

Number of Pages: 14
Author: Gareth Owen
Published Date: February 2020