The latest Ookla report has revealed how the US-based Boost Mobile, Germany-based 1&1 Mobilfunk and Bermuda-based Paradise Mobile have adopted open RAN.
Boost Mobile, 1&1 and Paradise Mobile, have revealed their open RAN investment strategy during a panel hosted by Ookla at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Luke Kehoe, Ookla’s European analyst, moderated the discussion about open RAN.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile adopted open RAN to gain architectural freedom and control over its network ecosystem. By leveraging open interfaces, the company avoided dependency on a single vendor, ensuring that no component could dictate its network architecture.
According to Eben Albertyn, EVP and CTO of Boost Mobile, the ability to swap components without disruption has been a key advantage, demonstrating the success of the open RAN approach. This strategy aligns with a broader trend among telecom operators, including 1&1 and Paradise Mobile, which have also embraced open RAN for its modularity, scalability, and ability to integrate emerging technologies like AI.
1&1 Mobilfunk
1&1 Mobilfunk leveraged open RAN to build a highly modular network with standardized components, launching its network in December 2023 and immediately offering enhanced mobile broadband services. The company successfully migrated six million mobile virtual network operator customers onto its network at a rate of 50,000 customers per day, a significant achievement demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale customer transitions using open RAN.
Michael Martin, CEO of 1&1 Mobilfunk, emphasized that this experience offers insights for operators looking to integrate open RAN into their networks. The company’s approach underscores the flexibility and scalability of open RAN, allowing for seamless integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. The cloud-native architecture of open RAN enables 1&1 to rapidly deploy AI-driven advancements, positioning the operator to stay ahead of evolving network demands.
Paradise Mobile
Paradise Mobile adopted open RAN to create a highly scalable and flexible network, leveraging x86-based servers to optimize efficiency.
Zlatko Zahirovic, CTO and founder of Paradise Mobile, highlighted that the company’s entire network operates within just three racks, demonstrating the compact and streamlined nature of its deployment. By choosing an x86-based architecture, Paradise Mobile ensured a future-proof infrastructure capable of adapting to evolving network demands.
The open RAN approach allows the company to maintain flexibility in selecting vendors and integrating new technologies seamlessly. This strategic decision positions Paradise Mobile to efficiently scale its operations and rapidly adopt innovations such as artificial intelligence, further enhancing network performance and responsiveness to emerging user needs.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
