Telkom Kenya, Rakuten Symphony, and Airspan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pioneer knowledge transfer and testing of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology in Africa. This collaboration will focus on 4G and 5G technologies, providing a platform to test and enhance open and flexible network architectures within Kenya.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for Telkom Kenya, as the company seeks to leverage automation and AI-powered technologies. By collaborating with global technology leaders, Telkom aims to develop homegrown innovations that will shape the future of telecommunications in Africa.
Rakuten Symphony will bring its industry-leading centralized and distributed unit infrastructure, along with its advanced OSS platform, to the project. Airspan will complement this with its 4G and 5G radio units and mobile core technologies, while Telkom Kenya will contribute local resources and facilities for the initiative.
This partnership represents a commitment to fostering innovation and preparing for the technological demands of the future. Mugo Kibati, CEO of Telkom Kenya, emphasized the importance of these collaborations in positioning the company and the region at the forefront of modern telecommunications advancements, including Open RAN and AI-driven technologies.
Rakuten Symphony’s global expertise in mobile network transformation will play a pivotal role in this project, as highlighted by its president, Sharad Sriwastawa. Similarly, Glenn Laxdal, President and CEO of Airspan, underlined the significance of this initiative in showcasing Kenya as a leader in adopting advanced telecommunication solutions.
This partnership not only highlights Kenya’s ambition to lead in technological innovation on the continent but also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to build robust, future-ready mobile networks. By exploring Open RAN’s potential, Telkom Kenya, Rakuten Symphony, and Airspan aim to redefine the telecommunication landscape in Africa.
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