Telkom Kenya has signed a Sh569.6 million ($4.4 million) deal with Japanese service-based tech firm Rakuten Symphony and US-based telco Airspan Networks to develop an advanced mobile network technology dubbed Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN).
Open RAN is a new approach to building radio access networks that allows for interoperability between cellular network equipment from different vendors. It promotes flexibility and innovation in network design and deployment, unlike the traditional closed network technology where telcos rely on a single vendor for all their network equipment.
Telkom said the Japanese and US governments will fund the project through a technology grant administered by Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks.
The telco said the project partners would set up a testing facility and conduct field and network tests as part of efforts to advance the fourth and fifth-generation (4G and 5G) networks, Open RAN, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa.
AI technology allows computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving tasks.
“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,” said Telkom.
“Telkom will provide the requisite human capital and facilities.”
The firm said the long-term objective of the project is knowledge transfer and training of local developers and engineers.
Telkom CEO Mugo Kibati termed the partnership a significant milestone in positioning Kenya and Africa as a research, development, and testing hub of cutting-edge technology.
The Japanese and US Governments, through Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks, will invest $3 million (Sh388.4 million) and $1.4 Million (Sh181.2 million) in the project, respectively.
