Where are we with Open RAN?
For decades, mobile network operators have been constrained by a tightly integrated vendor ecosystem, with limited choice, flexibility, and innovation. Open RAN (Radio Access Network) is fundamentally reshaping this paradigm. By decoupling hardware and software and promoting open interfaces, Open RAN empowers operators with greater control, agility, and the ability to foster a more competitive and innovative supplier landscape.
At the heart of this transformation is the O-RAN Alliance, which has been instrumental in establishing technical standards for interoperability, security, and modularity. Through initiatives such as Plugfests and Open Testing and Integration Centers (OTICs), the Alliance is accelerating the validation and certification of Open RAN components, ensuring readiness for real-world deployment.
As Open RAN moves from concept to commercial reality, we’re witnessing significant momentum. Greenfield operators like Dish and Rakuten have pioneered fully virtualized, cloud-native networks, while established Tier 1 players—including AT&T, Telus, Vodafone, and Telefónica—are now advancing brownfield deployments. But what will define success as Open RAN scales globally? Three critical pillars must align:
1. Mass Deployment at Scale
The clearest indicator of Open RAN’s success will be its widespread adoption across diverse markets and network environments. AT&T is setting a bold precedent, committing $14 billion over five years to transition 70% of its wireless traffic to Open RAN by 2026. Similarly, Vodafone, Telefónica, and Telus have outlined ambitious targets to integrate Open RAN into their networks by 2030. If these milestones are met, Open RAN will no longer be a niche innovation—it will be a foundational element of the global telecom infrastructure.
2. Sustained and Strategic Investment
Long-term viability depends on continued investment, not only from operators but also from governments and ecosystem players. Public sector support has been particularly impactful. In the U.S., the NTIA Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund has launched two major funding initiatives: NOFO 1, allocating $140 million for Open RAN testing, and NOFO 2, dedicating $400 million to advance Open Radio Unit (O-RU) innovation. Meanwhile, the UK’s Open Networks Programme is investing £295 million (approximately $367 million) to diversify the supply chain and achieve the goal of routing 35% of mobile traffic through open networks by 2030. These investments are vital to nurturing a strong, diverse, and resilient Open RAN ecosystem.
3. Continued Innovation
Innovation is the engine driving Open RAN’s value proposition. Central to this is the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), a platform that enables real-time, AI-driven network optimization through xApps and rApps. The RIC allows operators to tailor network behavior dynamically, unlocking new levels of efficiency, performance, and user experience. Companies like Cohere, Aira, and AirHop are leading the charge, developing intelligent applications that optimize spectrum usage, reduce operational costs, and enhance service quality. As the RIC ecosystem matures, the differentiation it enables will become a key competitive advantage.
The Critical Role of Testing
As Open RAN deployments scale, rigorous testing becomes non-negotiable. Operators must validate that disaggregated components—O-RUs, O-DUs, O-CUs, and RICs—interoperate seamlessly and perform reliably under real-world conditions. At VIAVI, we anticipated this need early, developing a comprehensive suite of Open RAN test solutions. Our tools now include advanced RIC testing capabilities, featuring a RAN Scenario Generator that supplies synthetic data to simulate diverse network conditions. This approach enables developers to test and refine applications without compromising user privacy, accelerating time to market and ensuring robust performance.
Open RAN is a strategic inflection point for the telecom industry. To realize its full potential, the ecosystem must align around three imperatives: broad deployment, sustained investment, and continuous innovation. With the right tools, collaborative frameworks, and a commitment to rigorous testing, Open RAN will enable operators to build more open, efficient, and future-ready networks.
