Accenture and MTN have concluded a successful proof-of-concept for an Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) solution, aimed at enhancing customer experience and reducing operational costs. This project has seen successful trials in South Africa and Nigeria, marking a significant step in the advancement of network technology.
The initial phase of the trial took place in MTN South Africa’s lab, where the ORAN solutions were rigorously tested before being deployed in live network environments. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment to ensuring that the technology meets high standards of performance and reliability.
Accenture highlights that ORAN has the potential to revolutionize the telecom sector by addressing key challenges faced by communication service providers (CSPs). These include managing high mobile traffic, staying competitive, retaining customers, and differentiating services while striving to reduce costs.
Nitesh Singh, Accenture’s Communication, Media, and Technology Lead for Africa, emphasized that investing in ORAN can significantly enhance network performance and customer experience. He noted that the collaboration with MTN, leveraging the Rakuten communications platform, is setting new benchmarks for mobile communications in South Africa and across the continent.
MTN spokesperson Amith Maharaj expressed confidence that ORAN will enable a substantial reduction in the total cost of ownership, offering an expanded ecosystem and the benefits of cloud-native deployments. The flexibility and scalability of ORAN solutions are expected to deliver considerable advantages for the telecom operator.
The successful completion of this proof-of-concept marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards more efficient and advanced network infrastructure. As ORAN technology continues to evolve, it promises to transform the telecom landscape, driving innovation and setting new standards for future mobile communications.