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(Alliance News) - Vodafone Group PLC on Monday said it has turned to six firms, including Samsung Electronics Co and a Capgemini SE unit, to deploy what will be Europe's first commercial open radio access network, or RAN.
Vodafone explained open RAN networks provide a "more cost-effective, secure, energy efficient and customer-focused" mobile telecommunications system. Open RAN allows networks to be deployed and operated using varied components from different suppliers.
"With political and industrial policy support from the European Commission and the national governments of the EU, Open RAN has the potential to bring more European companies into this emerging market," Vodafone added.
The company outlined Samsung, Capgemini Engineering, part of Paris-based Capgemini, and Texas-headquartered Dell Technologies among its six "strategic vendors". Tokyo-based NEC Corp, an IT and electronics firm, California-headquartered software firm Wind River, and test and measurement equipment provider Keysight Technologies Inc also are among those selected by Vodafone to build the network.
Vodafone added: "Starting this year, the vendors will work with Vodafone to extend 4G and 5G coverage to more rural places across the South West of England and most of Wales, moving into urban areas in a later phase. Vodafone is also working to launch Open RAN in other countries within both Europe and Africa, enabling the digital society to be accessible to all, with no one left behind.
"The company believes the move will spark other large-scale Open RAN launches and spearhead the next wave of digital transformation across Europe."
Vodafone shares were 0.5% higher at 130.47 pence each in London on Monday morning.
By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com
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