(Alliance News) - Vodafone Group PLC said Monday it has started the first European trials of OpenRAN in the UK, as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique in Africa.
The FTSE 100 telecommunications firm previously has undertaken trials of OpenRAN with JSE-listed subsidiary Vodacom Group Ltd in South Africa, and also has deployed the technology in Turkey.
OpenRAN stands for open radio access networks. The technology is expected to reduce the cost of providing internet and voice services by setting a standard for the design and functionality of hardware and software in radio access networks.
This is expected to increase the number of companies that can supply different components.
Radio access networks comprise the infrastructure, masts and antennae which telecom operators use to carry mobile traffic.
Vodafone is currently working with several vendors which supply OpenRAN technology, including US firms Parallel Wireless Inc and Mavenir, and Lime MicroSystems in the UK.
"We are pleased with trials of OpenRAN and are ready to fast track it into Europe as we seek to actively expand our vendor ecosystem. OpenRAN improves the network economics enabling us to reach more people in rural communities and that supports our goal to build digital societies in which no-one is left behind," said Chief Executive Officer Nick Read.
Shares in Vodafone Group were down 0.2% at 157.54 pence on Monday in London. Vodacom was untraded in Johannesburg at ZAR119.65.
By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com
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