Vodafone has launched the first 5G “open RAN” site in the UK, as the government and telecoms groups look for ways to boost competition after barring Chinese group Huawei from networks.
Open Radio Access Network is an approach that has been developed to increase access to the wireless market, where the world’s largest telecoms equipment suppliers have historically provided all of the hardware and software for particular networks. Open RAN means a wider range of different suppliers can deliver equipment and support services for a network, allowing smaller companies to overcome barriers to entry and break into 5G.
The new Vodafone network will operate in Bath. Both the US and UK have championed open RAN rollout in order to diversify what has largely been an oligopoly in telecoms networks.