Digital Catapult’s SONIC Labs, a programme advancing Open RAN technology, is welcoming a new group of international companies for outdoor testing in West London.
Supported by Ofcom and funded by the DSIT, the next phase of the programme will measure the practical viability of Open RAN in outdoor settings.
New cohort members Accelleran, G REIGNS, LIONS, VVDN, Pegatron, and ALPHA Networks will be the first to use the facilities, exploring the challenges and opportunities of deploying Open RAN solutions outdoors. The initiative aims to shape the future of telecommunications infrastructure, making the UK a global leader in Open RAN innovation.
- SONIC Labs welcomes international companies to explore Open RAN technology in a real-world environment in West London.
- The programme aims to test Open RAN outdoors to address challenges such as weather conditions, noise, and regulatory hurdles to the advancement of global telecommunications infrastructure.
- New cohort members, including Accelleran, G REIGNS, LIONS, VVDN, and Pegatron, will utilise the outdoor testing site to improve Open RAN’s commercial viability.
Sonic Labs Welcomes New Cohort to Advance Open RAN Technology
The SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre (SONIC Labs), an initiative backed by Digital Catapult, has announced plans to usher in a new group of international companies into its programme. The aim? To leverage SONIC Labs’ outdoor testing site in West London, providing these firms with a real-world environment to study the prospective merits of Open RAN.
Pushing the Open RAN Envelope
This next phase of SONIC Labs’ programme, supported by Ofcom and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is geared towards gauging the practical viability of Open RAN solutions. By replicating conditions that mobile network operators face in the great outdoors, the programme hopes to glean key insights that could shape the future of global telecommunications infrastructure.
The Power of Open RAN
Open RAN technology is redefining wireless networks. It’s all about enabling interoperability between different vendor products, thus sparking competition and innovation. This can lead to greater flexibility and potentially lower costs in network deployment and operation, underlining the strategic global value of the SONIC Labs programme.
Tackling the Challenges of Outdoor Open RAN
Outdoor testing of Open RAN is not without its challenges – weather conditions, background noise, signal strength, and regulatory constraints, to name a few. Addressing these complexities is crucial for validating the efficacy of Open RAN solutions in real-world settings, a task that the SONIC Labs programme is geared up for.
An International Cohort for Open RAN Innovation
The new cohort members, including Accelleran, G REIGNS, LIONS, VVDN, and Pegatron, will be the first to utilise SONIC Labs’ outdoor facility. ALPHA Networks, in contrast, will primarily use the indoor facility located in Digital Catapult’s London headquarters. The goal? To improve Open RAN’s commercial viability and position the UK at the forefront of Open RAN innovation.
“Success of this new phase of the SONIC Labs programme will be driven in part by granting access to both our outdoor and indoor facilities to the new cohort of vendors, as well as offering technical support and opportunities for collaboration with industry. We will also continue to connect vendors with the wider telecommunications ecosystem to present new opportunities for investment and collaboration, as a significant contribution to the global charge in accelerating Open RAN innovation.” – Dritan Khaleshi, Co-Director of SONIC Labs
Final Thoughts
This new phase in the SONIC Labs programme signifies a significant step forward in the practical deployment of Open RAN. By granting access to its outdoor and indoor facilities to a new cohort of vendors, SONIC Labs is not just providing a platform for testing and innovation but also fostering collaboration and networking within the industry.
It’s clear that SONIC Labs is taking strides to accelerate Open RAN innovation and establish the UK as a global leader in this domain. By addressing the challenges and complexities of outdoor Open RAN deployment, the programme is paving the way for future advancements in global telecommunications infrastructure.
FAQ
Q: What is the purpose of the SONIC Labs programme?
A: The SONIC Labs programme aims to advance Open RAN technology by testing the interoperability and integration of Open RAN products and services in real-world outdoor settings.
Q: How is the SONIC Labs programme funded?
A: The SONIC Labs programme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Q: What challenges are faced when testing Open RAN outdoors?
A: Testing Open RAN outdoors poses challenges such as weather conditions, background noise, coverage footprint, signal strength, and regulatory hurdles like council restrictions and spectrum licences.
Q: What companies are part of the new cohort joining the SONIC Labs programme?
A: The new cohort includes Accelleran, G REIGNS, LIONS, VVDN, and Pegatron, who will use the outdoor testing site, while ALPHA Networks will use the indoor facility.
Q: How will the success of the SONIC Labs programme be measured?
A: The success of the SONIC Labs programme will be measured by assessing key performance indicators to improve Open RAN’s commercial viability, positioning the UK at the forefront of Open RAN innovation.
