Telkom Kenya has partnered with mobile equipment vendors Rakuten Symphony, a leading service-based technology company from Japan, and Airspan Networks, a telecommunications company from the United States, to develop and test Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology. The Japanese and United States governments will fund this project through a technology grant of KSh 568 Million (US$ 4.4 Million) that will be administered by Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks.
The project partners will set up a testing facility and conduct field and network tests in their quest to advance 4G/5G, Open RAN, and AI innovation on the African continent. Technology company Telkom Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with mobile equipment vendors Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks. This collaboration will see the parties invest in a joint laboratory to develop and test Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology solutions tailored to the continent’s dynamic connectivity needs. The three companies will also conduct field trials to ensure optimal performance and seamless integration into Telkom’s network infrastructure.
Under the tripartite partnership, Airspan will provide 4G and 5G radio units while Rakuten will provide an Operating Support System platform, as well as the Open RAN software stack to run and optimise the 4G/5G Open RAN network elements. Telkom will provide the requisite human capital and facilities. The Japanese and United States Governments, through Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks, will invest US$ 3 Million and US$ 1.4 Million respectively into this project to advance 4G/5G, and AI innovation in Africa, consequently addressing some of the continent’s dynamic connectivity challenges and laying the groundwork for the development of future technology solutions.
Mugo Kibati, CEO, Telkom
Telkom is pleased to collaborate in this consortium of cutting-edge technology leaders in this field of open architecture telecommunications network and reap the benefits of modern, and ultimately, inevitable technological advances such as AI. This is a significant milestone in positioning Kenya and Africa as a research, development, manufacturing, and testing hub of leading cutting-edge technology.
Sharad Srivastava, President, Rakuten Symphony
Our diverse portfolio of solutions delivers proven positive outcomes for mobile network operators across the world. We look forward to bringing Rakuten Symphony’s proven global expertise in mobile network transformation to support Telkom’s commitment to innovation.
Glenn Laxdal, President and CEO, Airspan
Telkom’s collaboration with this consortium to explore the latest telecommunication advancements reflects bold innovation that will place Kenya at the heart of Africa’s technological leadership within the region. Airspan is proud to support this vision with advanced 4G/5G solutions, alongside Rakuten Symphony, whose expertise as one of the world’s largest commercial Open RAN vendors ensures impactful results.
