New 5G Open RAN Ecosystem created by NTT Docomo and 12 Comapnies

Japanese operator NTT Docomo has Consented with 12 companies, namely Dell Technologies Japan, Fujitsu, Intel, Mavenir, NEC, NTT Data, Nvidia, Qualcomm Technologies, Red Hat, VMware, Wind River and Xilinx, to create the’5G Open RAN Ecosystem’. The partners aim to globally accelerate open wireless access networks (RAN), and also help enable network deployment to serve varied business and operator needs in the 5G era.

The operator has previously experience of deploying open and virtual radio access system technologies in its own 4G and 5G networks and, since a long-time supporter of Open RAN ideals and also a vital figure at the O-RAN Alliance, he is eager to see different operators embrace receptive, multi-vendor architectures which may bring scale into the industry and attract wider support in the tech development community.

O-RAN Alliance, which NTT Docomo has led since its launching, has developed specifications and promoted products that enable operators to combine disaggregated base station equipment.

Docomo will start talks with the 12 companies on accelerating open RAN launch to operators.  Specifically, Docomo’s goal is to bundle RAN and introduce, operate and manage them based on requirements from operators considering receptive RAN introduction.

NTT Docomo and an global group of other companies have recently launched a consortium to give 5G services, first in Thailand and in other Asia Pacific countries with the potential inclusion of further partners.  The first members of this 5G Global Enterprise solution Consortium (5GEC) will probably be Activio, AGC, Advanced Wireless Network, Exeo Asia, Fujitsu, Loxley Public Company, Mobile Innovation, NEC Corp, NEC Networks & System Integration, NTT Communications, NTT Data Institute of Management Consulting, NTT Docomo, and NTT Ltd..