Vodafone, Qualcomm join forces in Open RAN development program

Vodafone and Qualcomm Technologies announced plans to join forces to develop the technical blueprint for more equipment suppliers to help build the 5G networks of the future using Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology.

The move aims to lower the entry barrier for many companies and drive diversification of network equipment vendors, said Qualcomm in a statement on Thursday.

In particular, the reference designs will help emerging and established network infrastructure vendors develop high-performance, virtualized, interoperable, and modular 5G networks at scale.

Customers will also benefit as Vodafone and other telecommunications companies mix and match hardware and software from a choice of suppliers to more easily extend 5G networks in specific geographical areas where they are most needed.

The partnership will combine Vodafone’s engineering expertise at building high capacity, large-scale networks with Qualcomm Technologies’ leadership in developing high performance and low power Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) solutions for device and infrastructure products.