Open RAN technology is an advanced version of the traditional Closed RAN technology where mobile network operators typically rely on a single vendor for all their network equipment. Open RAN is more flexible, allowing any hardware or software from different vendors to interoperate seamlessly and securely, significantly lowering operational and capital expenditures in the long-term. It is also favoured due to its potential to modernise networks by improving service quality and widening coverage, especially in rural areas where deploying infrastructure can be challenging. Globally, the adoption of this technology is increasing due to the demand for more innovative wireless communication solutions and a collaborative vendor ecosystem.

Under the tripartite partnership, Airspan will provide 4G and 5G radio units while Rakuten will provide an Operating Support System platform, as well as the Open RAN software stack to run and optimise the 4G/5G Open RAN network elements. Telkom will provide the requisite human capital and facilities.

Telkom’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mugo KIBATI says:

“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. This is a significant milestone in positioning Kenya and Africa as a research, development, manufacturing, and testing hub of leading cutting-edge technology.”

For Telkom’s customers, the deployment of such technology has the potential to deliver an enhanced customer experience due to improved network performance.

President of Rakuten Symphony, Mr. Sharad SRIVASTAVA says:

“Our diverse portfolio of solutions delivers proven positive outcomes for mobile network operators across the world. We look forward to bringing Rakuten Symphony’s proven global expertise in mobile network transformation to support Telkom’s commitment to innovation.”

President and CEO of Airspan, Glenn LAXDAL says:

“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. Airspan is proud to support this vision with advanced 4G/5G solutions, alongside Rakuten Symphony, whose expertise as the one of world’s largest commercial Open RAN vendors ensures impactful results.”

As part of its long-term transformation objectives, Telkom is also investing in talent upskilling, positively impacting its R&D and Innovation, which will in turn enhance its overall proposition to its customers.

Mr. KIBATI adds:

“Unlike other operators in the region that purchase RAN technology, Telkom is intent on being involved in the entire process; the development, testing, and consequent deployment of the technology in an open environment. In addition, our teams will benefit greatly from knowledge transfer with global market leaders.”

The Japanese and United States Governments, through Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks, will invest US$ 3 Million and US$ 1.4 Million respectively into this project to advance 4G/5G, and AI innovation in Africa, consequently addressing some of the continent’s dynamic connectivity challenges and laying the groundwork for the development of future technology solutions.

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About Telkom

Telkom is a digital services provider that is building on strong, consumer-centric ethos and a commitment to introducing innovative, accessible, and refreshingly simple products and solutions that are reflective of evolving customer needs.

Established as a telecommunications operator in April 1999, Telkom has had a long history of providing integrated telecommunications services to individuals, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), as well as Government and large corporates in Kenya. It draws from a diverse solutions suite that includes voice, data/connectivity, digital financial services, as well as network services. Powered by its vast fibre optic infrastructure, it is also a major provider of wholesale carrier-to-carrier traffic, within the country and the region. These services are primarily offered through our Service Delivery Units: Digital (that offers: Data Centre Services, Cloud, Managed Services, Connectivity, Broadband, Carrier-to-Carrier traffic, and Backbone Infrastructure); Consumer (that offers: Data, Voice, VAS, and Content) and Digital Financial Services (through our platform T-kash).

Telkom has 4,152 km of its own terrestrial fibre cabling, serving as a key conduit for broadband connectivity, inland.

Telkom owns stake in TEAMS, a 5,000km undersea fibre optic cable through Fujairah, UAE, and a stake in LION2, another 2,700km undersea fibre optic cable through Mauritius. It also owns a stake in the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy), a 10,000km cable from Mtunzini, South Africa to Djibouti.

Telkom is also the landing partner for LION2, EASSy, the Djibouti Africa Regional Express 1 (DARE 1) a 4,854km cable from Djibouti to Mombasa, and the Pakistan and East Africa Connecting Europe Cable (The PEACE Cable) a 15,000km cable from Marseilles, France through to Singapore and South Africa.

Please visit www.telkom.co.ke to get to know more about Telkom.

About Rakuten Symphony

Rakuten Symphony is reimagining telecom, changing supply chain norms and disrupting outmoded thinking that threatens the industry’s pursuit of rapid innovation and growth. Based on proven modern infrastructure practices, its open interface platforms make it possible to launch and operate advanced mobile services in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional approaches, with no compromise to network quality or security. Rakuten Symphony has operations in Japan, the United States, Singapore, India, Europe and the Middle East Africa region.

Please visit www.symphony.rakuten.com  to get to know more about Rakuten Symphony.

About Airspan

Airspan Networks Holdings LLC is a US-based provider of groundbreaking, disruptive software and hardware for 5G networks, and a pioneer in end-to-end Open RAN solutions that provide interoperability with other vendors. As a result of innovative technology and significant R&D investments to build and expand 5G solutions, Airspan believes it is well-positioned with 5G indoor and outdoor, Open RAN, private networks for enterprise customers and industrial use applications, fixed wireless access (FWA), Air-To-Ground and CBRS solutions to help mobile network operators of all sizes deploy their networks of the future, today. With over one million cells shipped to 1,000 customers in more than 100 countries, Airspan has global scale.

Please visit www.airspan.com to get to know more about Airspan Networks.

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