Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung Hype Open Virtualization

Opening and virtualizing the radio access network (RAN) is a pursuit with almost unanimous support at least on the surface. Operators, software makers, and equipment vendors have coalesced around this effort with varying degrees of force.Motivating factors differ, but the widely expected outcome is generally the same: a disaggregated, software-driven, open framework for RAN. Multiple and oftentimes overlapping initiatives are being driven by alliances that have earned The support of the biggest companies in telecom and new players that are emerging.The proposition of this more flexible network architecture has also shifted from cost benefits to a less restrictive framework that opens up opportunities for third-party development, according to Stefan Pongratz, VP at Dell’Oro Group.