Africa has one of the fastest-growing mobile telecommunications markets in the world. However, challenges like high infrastructure costs, limited rural coverage, and service affordability persist. Open RAN technology provides an innovative solution by enabling operators to build and maintain networks at a lower cost through flexible and scalable network architectures.

Telkom Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan to spearhead knowledge transfer, development, and testing of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology in Kenya. This partnership, announced on January 21, marks a significant step toward leveraging 4G and 5G technologies to advance telecommunications innovation on the African continent.

Telkom Kenya CEO, Mugo Kibati, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are proud to be investing in the development of our people through the collaborative testing capabilities that we will be building within this consortium to explore the possible benefits of Open RAN in our mobile network."  

The collaboration aims to explore open and flexible network architectures, integrating automation and AI-powered technologies. Telkom Kenya’s involvement focuses on building local expertise and exploring the potential benefits of Open RAN for its mobile network, ultimately contributing to the development of homegrown technological solutions.

Under the agreement, Rakuten Symphony will supply centralized and distributed unit infrastructure, along with its industry-leading OSS platform, while Airspan will provide 4G and 5G radio units and the mobile core. Telkom Kenya will contribute local resources and facilities to enable the testing and knowledge transfer.

Rakuten Mobile, in collaboration with Rakuten Symphony, will apply insights from its post-5G research subsidized by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Open RAN separates hardware and software in network architecture, allowing telecom operators to combine components from various vendors. This approach enhances flexibility while reducing both operational and capital costs.

In Africa, the adoption of Open RAN is accelerating due to the demand for cost-efficient, flexible, and innovative wireless communication solutions. According to DataIntelo’s ORAN Market Outlook 2032, the global ORAN market is expected to expand from USD 2.78 billion in 2023 to USD 26.93 billion by 2032. Africa is contributing to this growth as the need for advanced wireless networks continues to rise.

According to Telecom testing solutions provider Simnovus, Open RAN architecture not only simplifies network deployment but also significantly reduces infrastructure costs. By eliminating the need for proprietary hardware and software, telecom operators can avoid vendor lock-in and achieve substantial savings. For Telkom Kenya, adopting this technology could lower operational expenses, allowing the company to redirect those savings toward other strategic areas of the business.

Hikmatu Bilali