Vodafone Deploys Parallel Wireless’ OpenRAN in DRC

Vodafone has initiated its trial pilot of macro Parallel Wireless’ OpenRAN (Open Radio Access Networks) technology in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This is part of its Infra Project OpenRAN initiative to reduce the cost of deployment and maintenance for Radio Access Network (RAN) operators in the country.

Parallel Wireless’s OpenRAN technology has been deployed in both urban and rural locations to allow operators to meet the increasing demands for mobile broadband services. The OpenRAN solution makes it easy, affordable to install, maintain, upgrade and virtualize the deployment of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G technology. It also provides seamless mobility, low latency, and local breakout through simplification, automation and full virtualization of networks.

According to Vodafone, the global supply of telecom network equipment has become concentrated in a small handful of companies over the past few years. More choice of suppliers will safeguard the delivery of services to all mobile customers, increase flexibility and innovation to address some of the cost challenges that are holding back the delivery of internet services to rural communities and remote places across the world. In essence, OpenRAN simplifies network management and integration of new Radio Access Network (RAN) products.

This multi-technology software from Parallel Wireless has allowed Vodafone to replace 2G systems with virtual 2G technology and to run 2G and 4G simultaneously on the same base station. It will provide commercial data and voice services to Vodafone’s customers in rural and urban areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo.