RAN

• Samsung will play a key role for Vodafone’s Open RAN deployments in multiple European markets, something the operator had previously confirmed
• The vendor says it will supply a range of RAN and network management software solutions and Open RAN-compliant radios
• But there’s still no se

• Virgin Media O2 has switched on its next generation 5G Standalone network in 500 towns and cities across the UK
• The operator’s 5G Standalone network is now the biggest in the UK, reaching more than 70% of the UK’s population, and is available to customers at no extra cost
• Bakewell became the latest location to benefit from V

• EE customers in Manchester and Edinburgh are now experiencing faster, more reliable mobile connectivity, thanks to a groundbreaking new technology that’s transforming how mobile networks operate.
• In a world-first deployment, EE has introduced Ericsson’s Advanced RAN Coordination (ARC) solution – an innovatio

• Introduces Nokia Mission-Safe Phone, a purpose-built defence smartphone for reliable mission-critical communications in the harshest operational environments
• Nokia also launches the upgraded Banshee 5G Tactical Radio, a rugged, portable, easy-to-deploy network hub, now with integrated 5G connectivity

• New campus in Oulu, Finland – the “Home of Radio” – will deliver high-performance, resilient and trusted radio networks. 
• It is the world’s most advanced hub for the entire lifecycle of 5G and 6G radio innovation, ensuring that secure 5G and 6G networks are designed, tested and built in Europe. 

Huawei is on the Rise

• New Duranta project, built off OpenAirInterface (OAI) community software to strengthen Open RAN ecosystems with neutral governance, structured support, and expanded collaboration between research and global communities
• Open end-to-end Networking stack now includes critical component in the deployment of Open

Boldyn Networks and Virgin Media O2 say they have significantly enhanced 5G connectivity at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland with the former’s connectivity-as-a-service (CaaS).

Collaboration will support open source alignment, technical exchanges, and joint activities to maximize RAN efficiency.

According to a newly published forecast report by Dell’Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the telecommunications, security, networks, and data center industries, 5G has come a long way, but there is more work ahead.

D-RAN, Single-Purpose, and 5G to Shape AI RAN Market

Ericsson has secured the highest ranking in the recently published Omdia Market Landscape RAN Vendors report for 2025. This recognition highlights Ericsson's leadership in both business performance and portfolio, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry.

The AI-RAN Alliance announced it has surpassed 100 members, signaling strong global momentum behind its mission to accelerate innovation in AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence-Radio Access Networks).

Indonesian operator Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has deployed Nokia Energy Efficiency to reduce energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions across its RAN network via AI.

• GenAI-generated rApp deployed in AT&T test environment
• Built via Aira’s Naavik AppGen platform and Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform to showcase open collaboration & AI-native innovation

Kit vendor Ericsson will inject €200 million over the next three years into its Athlone facility in central Ireland, in order to research open network management and automation capabilities for 5G.

In sum – what you need to know

Private wireless surge – private wireless growth catches Dell’Oro by surprise, as private 4G/5G RAN sales jump by over 40% in 2024, reaching 3-5% of total RAN sales.

A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in telecommunications, has found operators will increase their annual investment in AI to $22 billion by 2029; rising from $13 billion this year.

Ericsson and SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”) have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership towards 2030.

• TelecomTV has just conducted its second annual Open RAN market perception survey
• We asked the network operator community for their views on a range of Open RAN topics, including the potential energy-efficiency gains from deploying Open RAN technology
• Even the partisan survey responde

The trial, part of the government-backed 5G MoDE (Mobile O-RAN for Highly Dense Environments) project, was delivered by VMO2 and Mavenir and took place during the England vs Italy Six Nations match.

• Telco spending on network technology dipped by 11% year on year in 2024, according to research firm Dell’Oro Group
• The only sector that didn’t shrink was fixed broadband equipment 
• Don’t expect a recovery – overall, telco spending on network gear is expected to be flat this year

Vodafone UK and Ericsson have successfully reduced daily power consumption of 5G Radio Units by up to 33% in trial sites across London.

As the Future Network Programmes conclude, UKTIN is working with DSIT to reflect on the government-funded projects, outlining the key outcomes and the lessons learned to help improve future telecoms initiatives.