Telkom Kenya Partners with Rakuten and Airspan to Advance Open RAN Technology
Telkom Kenya has partnered with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks to develop Open RAN technology, with a $4.4 million grant from the Japanese and US governments. The initiative will enhance 4G/5G networks tailored to Africa and focus on knowledge transfer. This collaboration positions Kenya as a regional technological leader, benefiting both Telkom’s operations and customer experience.
Telkom Kenya has announced a strategic partnership with Rakuten Symphony from Japan and Airspan Networks from the United States to develop and test Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology. This collaboration is supported by a KES 568 million ($4.4 million) technology grant funded jointly by the Japanese and US governments, aimed at positioning Kenya as a telecommunications innovation hub in Africa.
Under this alliance, a testing facility will be established to conduct field and network tests, enhancing 4G/5G, Open RAN, and AI technologies that address Africa’s unique connectivity challenges. Open RAN diverges from traditional Closed RAN systems by allowing different vendors’ hardware and software to integrate, potentially lowering operational costs while optimizing network performance.
Mugo Kibati, Chief Executive Officer of Telkom, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “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.”
Each partner has specific responsibilities: Airspan will supply 4G and 5G radio units, while Rakuten will deliver the Operating Support System platform and Open RAN software. Telkom Kenya will provide the necessary human capital and facilities, underscoring its active role in development.
Glenn Laxdal, President and CEO of Airspan, noted, “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.” Unlike other regional operators, Telkom is engaged in the entire development and deployment process.
The initiative aims to facilitate knowledge transfer, focusing on training local developers and engineers. The financial support comes primarily from the Japanese government ($3 million) and the US government ($1.4 million), managed through Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks. For Telkom customers, this project is expected to enhance network performance and strengthen R&D capabilities, thereby transforming their service offerings in the long term.
In conclusion, Telkom Kenya’s strategic partnership with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks aims to pioneer Open RAN technology, greatly enhancing telecommunications in Africa. Supported by significant financial grants from Japan and the US, this initiative emphasizes innovation and local capabilities through training. As each partner contributes uniquely to the project, Telkom strives to improve customer experience and strengthen its position as a technological leader in the region.
Original Source: techweez.com