SONIC Labs

In order to kickstart the process of diversification and build momentum the UK Government is making early progress by establishing a SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre (SONIC) - that will create a platform for existing and emerging suppliers to come together to test and demonstrate interoperable solutions. 

Read supply chain diversification strategy

The SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre (SONIC) is a joint programme between the Digital Catapult and Ofcom for testing interoperability and integration of open networking solutions, starting with Open RAN.

SONIC is demonstrating and fostering an open disaggregated network ecosystem in the UK, of large and small suppliers along with the telecoms industry, helping to develop a supply chain with multiple suppliers for each element in the technology stack. In addition it enables UK players to maximise their part in the new supply chain as part of an international effort.

This will enable Government, Ofcom and the Digital Catapult to build a better understanding of technology readiness and maturity and challenges of Open RAN, to inform technology roadmaps and strategies.

SONIC went live and operational from May 2021, and will evolve over time to create a foundation for broader national testbed and laboratory initiatives.

Specifically the Centre will:

• Provide innovative companies with a neutral environment to come together to test and demonstrate solutions
• Facilitate interoperability testing with organisations involved in standards development and similar - e.g. ETSI, ORAN Alliance, Telecoms Infra Project (TIP)
• Support and link small and large companies to collaborate in a rapidly technology changing landscape
• Operate at a pre-commercial stage at technology readiness levels 5-7

Project update:

Led by Digital Catapult in partnership with Ofcom, the SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre (SONIC Labs) programme aims to accelerate the development and testing of open network technologies, supporting the UK’s 5G network diversification. Underpinned by its leading testbed facilities, the programme brings together organisations from across the global Open RAN ecosystem, including Open RAN vendors, system integrators and operators to test and validate the interoperability and integration of open networking solutions. So far, the programme has conducted 71 Open RAN product tests and collaborated with over 20 Open RAN vendors.