RAN

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. 

Summary

• Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), along with AMD, Cisco, and Nokia, plans to build an Open Telecom AI Platform to redefine telecom operations with cutting-edge AI integration

Partnership to advance equipment vendor adoption and operator deployment of virtualized 4G and 5G Open RAN mobile networks

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. 

• There’s growing interest (as well as skepticism) in the AI-RAN concept
• Nokia, one of the founders of the AI-RAN Alliance, looks determined to position itself at the forefront of AI-RAN developments
• It has rocked up to MWC25 with news of advances with fellow AI-RAN Alliance founders N

The latest numbers from analyst firm Omdia reveal what a tough year 2024 was for the radio access networks kit market but look forward to a momentum shift this year.

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. 

Unlocking the Power of xApps: Transforming Telecoms with Open RAN Innovation

Session one on 25th February is a Hybrid Session, 14:00 - 16:30 Introduction to xApps.

Session two on 27th February is a Virtual Session, 14:00 - 16:30 O-RAN Hands-on Training with Python-based xApp Implementation.