Vodafone switches on UK’s first 5G Open RAN site

Vodafone has switched on the UK’s first 5G Open RAN site in Bath, Somerset. The new site is the first of 2,500 planned and marks the beginning of the first scaled Open RAN project in Europe.

Open RAN technology separates software from hardware, meaning more flexibility for mobile operators. Where before, all technology on a site would be delivered by a single vendor, Open RAN enables telecoms operators to work with a range of more specialist suppliers. This supports more diversity in the telecoms supply chain and innovation in the sector.

Open RAN could also result in the development and use of more energy efficient telecoms equipment, as well as increasing the speed at which mobile operators can deploy next generation networks.

Johan Wibergh, Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone, said:

“Open RAN is driving network innovation. By combining the best hardware and software from a mix of equipment vendors, we can introduce new features and updates faster across multiple sites. Our Open RAN roll-out will accelerate this year to bring significant benefits to customers across Europe and Africa.”

Santiago ‘Yago’ Tenorio, Network Architecture Director at Vodafone and a pioneer of Open RAN technology, spoke to Vodafone UK’s Chief Network Officer, Andrea Dona, to celebrate the deployment of the new site.