Selecting the Right Open RAN Vendor for 5G Mobile Networks

Market Background

5G Radio Access Network (RAN) is undergoing a significant transformation toward virtualized, software-defined, and cloud-native components connected via open interfaces. There is growing commercial interest in Open RAN, with several operators beginning to adopt it partially for their network deployments. Open RAN enables Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to support diverse network deployments and innovative use cases through virtualization, open interfaces, and interoperability. This fosters opportunities for new entrants to develop innovative solutions and business models, expanding the telecoms ecosystem.

Equipment vendors are facilitating the deployment of Open RAN in consumer and enterprise markets. ABI Research has assessed leading Open RAN vendors like Nokia, Mavenir, NEC, Fujitsu, Samsung, and Parallel Wireless to evaluate their innovation and implementation capabilities in Open RAN solutions.

Open RAN Innovations Telcos Should Prioritize

ABI Research scored Open RAN vendors’ innovation capabilities based on the following factors:

• R&D Activities: Evaluates the number of Research and Development (R&D) projects and investment dedicated to Open RAN development.
• O-RAN Alliance Contributions: Considers a vendor's involvement in various Work Groups (WGs) within the O-RAN Alliance.
• Support for Massive Multiple Input, Multiple Output (mMIMO): Assesses a vendor's capability to enhance mMIMO performance through innovative software and hardware solutions.
• Recent Momentum: Analyzes vendors' latest advancements and announcements regarding Open RAN developments.
• Product Portfolio: Examines the breadth of solutions offered by vendors for deploying Open RAN components.

Top Three Innovators of Open RAN Solutions

ABI Research deems Mavenir, NEC, and Nokia to be among the top three innovators of Open RAN solutions. Below, we discuss in detail where these companies scored well.

#1: Mavenir

Mavenir achieved a leading score of 81.5 out of 100, positioning it as a top innovator in the Open RAN sector. Mavenir offers End-to-End (E2E) cloud-native software and hardware solutions, covering core, edge, and Open RAN components. The company’s open Virtualized RAN (vRAN) and OpenBeam mMIMO portfolio adhere to industry standards and are designed for global Open RAN deployments. Additionally, Mavenir actively collaborates with major telco partners to accelerate Open RAN adoption worldwide.

#2: NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation secured second place as an Open RAN innovator with a strong score of 80.3 out of 100. Known for unique innovations, NEC has garnered recognition from mobile operators, particularly for its extensive product portfolio featuring mMIMO Radio Units (RUs). NEC stands out as one of a handful of vendors that have achieved O-RAN Alliance compliance certification. Recently, its RU obtained certification from the O-RAN Alliance Open Testing and Integration Centre (OTIC) in Japan, demonstrating NEC's active participation in global O-RAN Alliance PlugFests to drive Open RAN advancements and showcase its R&D commitments.

#3: Nokia

Nokia secured the third position as an innovator in Open RAN with a score of 77.8 out of 100. Noteworthy achievements include being the first incumbent vendor to join the O-RAN Alliance and contributing significantly to O-RAN Alliance specifications, particularly in Fronthaul (FH) interface and RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) platform developments. Nokia is actively engaged in testing and integrating Open RAN components, collaborating with other vendors to ensure multi-vendor interoperability for the FH interface. Additionally, Nokia has forged partnerships with major hyperscalers, cloud providers, and operators to advance Open RAN initiatives.

Are you seeking more content about Open RAN? Contact us today to discuss how we can help your organization.

Open RAN Implementation Factors

Open RAN companies were evaluated on the following criteria to give them an implementation score.

• Geographical Coverage: Evaluates the extent of a vendor's presence across regions, favoring those with a global footprint over those with regional focus.
• Partnerships & Memberships: Assesses the number of partnerships and memberships a vendor holds to facilitate multi-vendor interoperability and E2E solutions.
• Proofs of Concept (PoCs), Trials, and Testing: Measures the number of lab demonstrations and testing conducted to validate the feasibility of commercial deployment, with higher scores for vendors with more PoCs, trials, and testing.
• Energy Efficiency Commitments: Considers vendors' initiatives and commitments toward reducing energy consumption in the RAN, reflecting their response to energy crises, operational costs, and sustainability regulations.
• Brownfield Deployments: Gauges compatibility with existing infrastructure for Open RAN deployments in brownfield scenarios, indicating a vendor's ability to support CSPs with flexible network deployment strategies and expand its global footprint.

Vendors That Best Support Open RAN Implementation

The top three vendors in terms of enabling Open RAN implementation were the same as the top innovators: Mavenir, NEC Corporation, and Nokia.

#1: Mavenir

Mavenir claimed the top spot as a leading implementer with an impressive score of 84.5 out of 100 for accelerating Open RAN deployments. In 2023, Mavenir completed numerous trials and established partnerships with CSPs, cloud providers, and chipset vendors. Additionally, it is broadening its geographical coverage by assisting major mobile operators in Open RAN deployment. Mavenir's extensive partner ecosystem includes collaborations with cloud providers, chipset vendors, mobile vendors, and operators for Open RAN integration and interoperability testing.

#2: NEC Corporation

NEC secures second place for a top Open RAN impending vendor with a score of 78.0 out of 100. It actively develops its Open RAN ecosystem, partnering with Tier One operators, chipset vendors, and cloud providers. Recently, NEC obtained its first O-RAN Alliance compliance certificate from Japan’s OTIC and supports commercial brownfield deployments globally.

#3: Nokia

Nokia came in third place for Open RAN implementation with a score of 75.8 out of 100. The vendor shows significant commitment to the Open RAN ecosystem, completing various PoCs and trials with live networks. Nokia collaborates with major cloud providers, chipset vendors, and Tier One and Tier Two mobile operators for Open RAN deployments. Additionally, Nokia actively participates in global organizations and Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), prioritizing reducing power consumption in RANs for environmental sustainability.

Get the Complete Ranking

ABI Research recently evaluated 8 total Open RAN vendors in its latest competitive ranking to help mobile network providers survey the market. The assessment delves into individual vendors' Open RAN product portfolios to highlight their innovation and implementation strategies. Moreover, our analysts provide a breakdown of the latest trends and dynamics shaping the Open RAN market that serve as driving forces for product innovation. Get the full rankings today!

A subscription to our 5G, 6G & Open RAN Research Service will grant you access to this deliverable and others just like it.