Telefónica and Ericsson Launch Live Open RAN Antennas in Offenbach

Telefónica Deutschland has initiated the deployment of its first 5G antennas in Offenbach, equipped with Open RAN technology developed by Ericsson. This significant advancement marks the world's first implementation of Ericsson's technology in a live 5G standalone network, announced at the start of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.

In total, eight antennas in the Offenbach area are set to be equipped with this innovative technology. The deployment of Cloud RAN, a solution that virtualizes radio network functions and operates on standard servers in the cloud, represents a pivotal shift in mobile network management.

Ericsson's Cloud RAN technology has been tested in Offenbach, where the upgrade process began approximately a year ago. Initially, Telefónica installed traditional Ericsson hardware capable of operating on both 4G and 5G networks. Over time, these 5G functionalities have been incrementally replaced by the new Cloud RAN solution. The antennas will operate on the 5G frequency within the 3.6 GHz band.

Open RAN is seen as a crucial development for network operators seeking greater independence from proprietary hardware and software provided by major suppliers. All major German network operators are experimenting with Open RAN technology, with Telefónica also testing configurations using Samsung hardware in Landsberg, Bavaria, since May 2024. New entrant 1&1 is even constructing its entire network based on Open RAN principles.

Telefónica's Chief Technology Officer emphasized the commitment to developing a 'network of the future' that harnesses cloud solutions, automation, and virtualization to enhance customer experience. The separation of hardware and software is expected to provide increased flexibility in network operations and expansion.

Despite the promising advantages of Open RAN, including improved efficiency in network maintenance and software updates, the technology's readiness for widespread use in existing networks remains a challenge. Experiences from established network operators indicate that while Open RAN offers potential benefits, it requires extensive system integration efforts and a skilled workforce, which must be developed.