Parallel Wireless has deployed Open RAN to 1,500 sites in Africa.
The US-based Open RAN specialist gave an update of its rollout this week, noting that it has deployed hybrid networks in Nigeria, Tanzania, Guinea Conakry, Ghana, South Sudan, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi.
How real is Open RAN?
Operators are keen to point out new technology, but not everyone is convinced that Open RAN has fully arrived
Unlike traditional mobile networks which are usually underpinned by one vendor, Open RAN instead promotes multiple vendors working together to build mobile networks.
Parallel Wireless noted that it has focused on 2G and 3G in rural areas, and 2G and 4G in urban and suburban areas.
“Our extensive and complex deployments were successful due to our familiarity and experience with the region, which helped us navigate the complex environmental challenges and lack of resources in these areas,” said Yisrael Nov, VP Global Sales at Parallel Wireless.
“By extending modern networks throughout these territories, and leveraging multiple technologies, a large population will experience a stronger network, bringing them into a new era of reliable connectivity.”
Several vendors such as Ericsson, Nokia, and Mavenir Telecom have pushed the idea of Open RAN, while operators including Vodafone, Orange, and AT&T have deployed or have outlined plans to build Open RAN networks.
Telcos are expected to invest more than $30 billion in Open RAN by the end of the decade, according to analyst firm Counterpoint Research.
