Originally written for The Fast Mode and published here.
In our exclusive Open RAN segment, The Fast Mode spoke to OXIO’s Adil Belihomji on the challenges, opportunities and role of traffic visibility in supporting highly-intelligent, autonomous and high-performant RAN networks.
The rapid evolution of mobile networks is reshaping how connectivity and communications are delivered worldwide. A potentially transformative development in this arena is Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network), a concept designed to enhance the interoperability, innovation and flexibility of mobile networks by disaggregating the traditional elements of RAN. The cloud acts as one of the three core pillars of Open RAN, along with open interfaces and intelligent control, playing a pivotal role in enabling and optimizing this new approach to telecom and driving its potential to redefine the industry.
Cloud-based solutions are changing the way operators deploy networks, including Open RAN, where there is a fundamental shift from using specialized hardware to virtualized software running on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers. This move to the cloud, if fully adopted, could significantly streamline carrier deployment and operations, paving the way for AI-driven automation and network enhancements that could not only reduce costs but also optimize resource utilization and enable centralized network management.
Unfortunately, as it stands, the industry has been slow to adopt Open RAN despite the significant investment that’s already been expended into the concept.
The shift from vendor-centric RAN to a more open, multi-vendor ecosystem has faced setbacks. Cost and concerns around interoperability and network security have hindered the adoption of this new framework despite many large telecom companies prioritizing its development. As it stands, the industry is likely still four to five years away from seeing any real traction in the Open RAN arena, with significant investment still needed.
In working theory, by leveraging the cloud while utilizing an Open RAN ecosystem, MNOs can build more efficient, flexible and scalable networks. This can also benefit hyperscalers and other telecom innovators, such as Telecom-as-a-Service (TaaS) providers. Although the success of TaaS does not depend on Open RAN for its current or future operations, an industry that embraces and effectively implements its principles and methodologies could see TaaS offerings accelerate at greater speed, delivering quicker innovation to a market that needs to be fundamentally reshaped.
It’s not just the speed of innovation that Open RAN and cloud technology can drive; end-users on these efficient networks stand to gain significantly from improved connectivity and quality of service. For instance, consider the enhanced coverage in rural communities. By deploying Open RAN, operators can establish cost-effective networks in these less accessible areas, ensuring that more people have access to reliable connectivity.
As the telecom industry continues to evolve, the integration of cloud and Open RAN concepts hold good intentions and could play a central role in shaping the future of connectivity. The sector recognizes the urgent need for the industry to become more open, standardized and federated, yet the right path to achieve this transformation remains elusive. Ultimately, you can wait for the industry to collectively unlock the potential of an innovative and autonomous RAN, or you can engage with forward-thinking innovators who are actively pursuing this goal. By supporting these initiatives, we can work toward creating an open and intelligent industry that benefits everyone.
This article is a part of The Fast Mode’s 2025 Special Edition: Open RAN segment. To learn more about the segment, visit the dedicated page here. To view all articles published under the segment, click here. A research report based on the findings of the segment survey will be published in January 2025. To access the survey, click here.
