Telkom Kenya Partners with Rakuten and Airspan to Advance Open RAN Technology

Telkom Kenya has partnered with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks to develop Open RAN technology, supported by a KES 568 million grant from the Japanese and US governments. The agreement aims to establish Kenya as a technological hub while enhancing 4G/5G and AI technologies. Each partner has defined roles, ensuring knowledge transfer and local capacity building as part of the initiative, which promises improved network performance for Telkom’s customers.

Telkom Kenya has forged a strategic alliance with Japan’s Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks from the United States to advance Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology. This partnership, announced recently, is supported by a KES 568 million ($4.4 million) technology grant funded by the governments of Japan and the United States.

The objective of this collaboration is to position Kenya as a leading technological hub for telecommunications innovation within Africa. The partnership will see the establishment of a testing facility dedicated to conducting field and network tests that focus on enhancing 4G/5G technology, Open RAN, and artificial intelligence in response to Africa’s connectivity challenges.

Open RAN departs significantly from traditional Closed RAN systems, which often restrict mobile network operators to equipment from a sole vendor. Its open architecture enables seamless integration of hardware and software from multiple vendors, thereby potentially decreasing both operational and capital expenses while enhancing overall network performance.

Mugo Kibati, CEO of Telkom, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “Telkom is pleased to collaborate in this consortium of cutting-edge technology leaders in this field of open architecture telecommunications network and reap the benefits of modern, and ultimately, inevitable technological advances such as AI.”

The structure of the partnership clearly delineates specific responsibilities among the parties involved. Airspan will supply 4G and 5G radio units, while Rakuten is set to provide both the Operating Support System platform and the Open RAN software stack required to effectively manage and optimize network elements. Telkom Kenya will contribute its human resources and facilities.

Glenn Laxdal, President and CEO of Airspan, commented on the innovative nature of the project, saying, “Telkom’s collaboration with this consortium to explore the latest telecommunication advancements reflects bold innovation that will place Kenya at the heart of Africa’s technological leadership within the region.”

Differentiating itself from other regional operators that typically purchase RAN technology, Telkom is engaging in a proactive role encompassing the development, testing, and deployment of this technology. The initiative also emphasizes knowledge transfer, aiming to train local developers and engineers on these advancements.

The financial support for this initiative is mainly provided by the Japanese government, contributing $3 million, and the United States government, contributing $1.4 million, which will be managed through Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks. For Telkom’s customers, this technology promises improved network performance and enhances the company’s R&D capabilities, contributing to its long-term transformation strategy.

In conclusion, Telkom Kenya’s partnership with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks marks a significant advancement in Open RAN technology, aimed at addressing connectivity challenges in Africa. With substantial financial backing and a focus on innovation and knowledge transfer, this collaboration is poised to position Kenya as a key player in the African telecommunications sector. The expected improvements in network performance will ultimately benefit Telkom’s customers and enhance the company’s service offerings.

Original Source: techweez.com