Telkom Kenya has partnered with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks to develop Open RAN technology. Funded by KES 568 million ($4.4 million) from the Japanese and U.S. governments, this collaboration aims to enhance telecommunications in Africa, establish Kenya as a tech hub, and promote local knowledge transfer. The initiative promises improved network performance for Telkom’s customers and strengthens research and development capabilities.
Telkom Kenya has initiated a strategic partnership with Rakuten Symphony of Japan and Airspan Networks from the United States to advance Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology. This collaboration is bolstered by a technology grant of KES 568 million ($4.4 million) funded by both the Japanese and U.S. governments, underscoring the commitment to fostering technological innovation in the African telecommunications sector.
The objectives of this tripartite agreement include establishing Kenya as a technological hub for telecommunications innovation. The partnership envisions setting up a dedicated testing facility to conduct field and network tests concentrating on 4G/5G technologies, Open RAN, and AI solutions tailored to address Africa’s unique connectivity challenges.
Open RAN represents a significant shift from traditional Closed RAN systems, which confine operators to equipment from a singular vendor. By leveraging an open architecture, this system permits hardware and software from various vendors to operate together, potentially lowering long-term operational and capital expenditures while enhancing network performance.
“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,” remarked Mugo Kibati, Chief Executive Officer of Telkom Kenya.
The partnership delineates specific roles for each entity involved. Airspan will provide the 4G and 5G radio units, while Rakuten will contribute the Operating Support System platform and Open RAN software stack essential for optimizing network elements. Telkom Kenya will supply human resources and physical facilities for the project.
Glenn Laxdal, President and CEO of Airspan, highlighted the venture’s innovative nature: “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.”
In contrast to many regional operators that merely acquire RAN technology, Telkom Kenya is actively participating in the development, testing, and deployment processes. Knowledge transfer is a crucial aspect of this initiative, with the project aimed at training local developers and engineers to strengthen the local workforce in telecommunication technologies.
The funding for this initiative is sourced from the Japanese government ($3 million) and the U.S. government ($1.4 million), managed through Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks. For Telkom Kenya’s customers, this technological advance promises significant enhancements in network performance. Additionally, the initiative is expected to augment Telkom’s research and development capabilities and enhance its overall service offerings as part of its long-term transformation strategy.
In summary, Telkom Kenya’s collaboration with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks on Open RAN technology signifies a pivotal advancement in telecommunications innovation within Africa. This partnership is grounded in substantial financial support from both the Japanese and U.S. governments and emphasizes knowledge transfer and local development. By establishing an open architecture framework, Telkom is poised to enhance network performance significantly while positioning Kenya as a technological leader in the region.
Original Source: techweez.com
