2021 Open RAN Report
LFN's 5G Super Blueprint envisions an Edge Multi-Cluster Orchestrator
xApps will become the Secret Sauce for Mobile Operators
Open RAN Opens the Door for Advanced Enterprise Services
Will Open RAN be the Defining Moment for the Industry?
Why Network Complexity requires a new Level of Intelligent Automation
Open RAN must Reduce Operational Complexity
How Open RAN Ecosystem Partnerships will lead to better Service Lifecycles
Telecom Argentina looks to O-RAN
For O-RAN and V-RAN, We're ready to Deploy Commercially at Scale
Programmability will Open the RAN to New Possibilities
Major Operators signal their Intent to Adopt O-RAN
The Open RAN Ecosystem will help extend 5G to Markets Worldwide
Radio Access Networks will Never be the Same
Disrupting the Structure of the Mobile Industry
Early Open RAN focuses on Rural, Indoor and Edge Computing Use Cases
Mobile Networks will be Transformed by xApps and rApps
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What the 2021 Open RAN report finds
Open RAN is disaggregating the mobile radio access network, opening it to a broader ecosystem of vendors, hyperscalers, and system integrators. Across these interviews, virtualization, cloud-native intelligent control via xApps and rApps, and reduced operational complexity emerge as the forces reshaping how 5G networks are built and operated.
xApps and rApps add intelligence
Capgemini casts xApps as operators' secret sauce for differentiation, and VMware introduces logical network elements on cloudified platforms for intelligent RAN control, new services, and slices.
Complexity must come down
Ericsson and HPE stress that slicing, disaggregation, and RAN virtualization add complexity, requiring intelligent automation and infrastructure that reduces operational burden for successful Open RAN deployments.
Operators commit at scale
Intel says every major operator has signaled intent to deploy open or virtual RAN, with Rakuten Symphony's Tareq Amin using Open RAN to disrupt Japan's mobile market.
System integration ecosystem emerges
IBM highlights an SI-based model accelerating adoption via open hybrid cloud on Red Hat, citing a Telecom Argentina O-RAN proof-of-concept that democratizes network deployment cost-effectively.
Hyperscalers and edge use cases
Marvell notes rising hyperscaler participation as networks virtualize, while Spirent sees early Open RAN focused on rural, indoor, and edge computing for hosting applications.
Cloud enables new enterprise services
Dish's Marc Rouanne ties Open RAN design to a cloud shift for observable, adaptive networks and enterprise services, with DZS framing it as a defining moment for wireless.
Highlights from industry thought leaders














Video interviews
LFN's 5G Super Blueprint envisions an Edge Multi-Cluster Orchestrator
- LF Networking and Aarna Networks discuss LF Networking's 5G Super Blueprint initiative.
- Aarna Networks shares its involvement and future plans for Open RAN.
Full summary
xApps will become the Secret Sauce for Mobile Operators
- Capgemini Engineering calls xApps critical for operators to differentiate and add customer value.
- It frames Open RAN and Virtual RAN as the most important innovation in today's mobile network.
Full summary
Open RAN Opens the Door for Advanced Enterprise Services
- Dish's Marc Rouanne stresses observability for a learning, adapting, testing network.
- Dish's Open RAN design and cloud shift are driven by the goal of providing enterprise services.
Full summary
Will Open RAN be the Defining Moment for the Industry?
- DZS's Charlie Vogt says Open RAN is changing how wireless networks are built.
- Open RAN offers service providers a new way of deploying wireless services.
Full summary
Why Network Complexity requires a new Level of Intelligent Automation
- Ericsson notes network slicing, disaggregation, and RAN virtualization add to service provider complexity.
- That complexity calls for a new level of intelligent automation.
Full summary
Open RAN must Reduce Operational Complexity
- HPE says 5G for enterprise requires redesigning the core and radio access networks.
- Infrastructure matters in Open RAN, and HPE's approach helps telcos reduce operational complexity.
Full summary
How Open RAN Ecosystem Partnerships will lead to better Service Lifecycles
- IBM says the emerging SI ecosystem will accelerate Open RAN adoption and innovation.
- IBM focuses on three areas, including an open hybrid cloud architecture based on Red Hat.
Full summary
Telecom Argentina looks to O-RAN
- IBM says O-RAN can democratize mobile networks, letting operators deploy infrastructure more cost-effectively.
- IBM discusses key system integration capabilities and a Telecom Argentina O-RAN proof-of-concept.
Full summary
For O-RAN and V-RAN, We're ready to Deploy Commercially at Scale
- Intel says operators are embracing open and virtual RAN to deploy 5G networks.
- Intel discusses its RAN journey and what Open RAN offers operators.
Full summary
Programmability will Open the RAN to New Possibilities
- Intel says Open RAN is about bringing multiple components together.
- The innovation Open RAN brings supports a thriving ecosystem.
Full summary
Major Operators signal their Intent to Adopt O-RAN
- Intel says every major operator has signaled intent to deploy open or virtual RAN solutions.
- Intel shares examples of major operators running trials or deployments.
Full summary
The Open RAN Ecosystem will help extend 5G to Markets Worldwide
- Intel says Open RAN brings the opportunity for more ecosystem participation.
- Collaboration is important to advance the Open RAN journey and extend 5G worldwide.
Full summary
Radio Access Networks will Never be the Same
- Marvell says Open RAN draws more hyperscaler interest as networks virtualize at the far and near edge.
- Marvell discusses the opportunities and emerging market trends Open RAN offers.
Full summary
Disrupting the Structure of the Mobile Industry
- Rakuten Symphony's Tareq Amin used Open RAN to disrupt Japan's mobile market.
- Rakuten succeeded in building a leading network despite naysayers.
Full summary
Early Open RAN focuses on Rural, Indoor and Edge Computing Use Cases
- Spirent says customers are incorporating open compute capabilities to host edge applications in Open RAN.
- Early Open RAN focuses on rural, indoor, and edge computing use cases along the roadmap.
Full summary
Mobile Networks will be Transformed by xApps and rApps
- VMware says Open RAN simplifies operations at scale, enabling new services, slices, and third-party features.
- VMware introduces two new logical network elements on cloudified platforms for intelligent control.
Full summary
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