Digital Catapult Welcomes International Open RAN Vendors to Advance Connectivity Solutions in the UK

Driving Innovation in Advanced Connectivity

Digital Catapult has welcomed six international Open RAN (Radio Access Network) vendors to its advanced connectivity programme. This initiative aims to drive the development, deployment, and diversification of data-driven and open future networks in the UK. The next phase of the programme will support vendors in trialing real-world products and services. This will help scale and commercialize their innovations in Digital Catapult’s industry-leading testbed environments.

The programme is crucial for building resilience in the UK’s advanced connectivity infrastructure and supply chains. Digital Catapult is actively supporting UK mobile network operators (MNOs) by broadening access to a pipeline of new suppliers. This enables faster and scalable deployment of Open RAN technologies. Additionally, it helps diversify the market by assisting smaller vendors in scaling successfully.

The six participating vendors will gain access to Digital Catapult’s advanced connectivity lab, which is the first and only UK-based Open Testing and Integration Centre (OTIC). This accreditation allows vendors to be certified and badged post-completion. It verifies and validates their solutions, aiming to drive successful partnerships with MNOs. This process injects a suite of interoperable innovations into the market.

Successful participants can receive badges for Interoperability (IOT) and End-to-End (E2E) testing. These badges are critical for instilling confidence among MNOs and streamlining the vendor selection processes.

Technical Validation and Market Readiness Support

Digital Catapult provides technical validation, tailored market readiness support, and innovation consultancy. This assistance helps participants navigate the UK telecoms landscape effectively. The support includes guidance on commercialisation pathways, access to potential channel partners, and insights into real-world deployment challenges. Understanding adopters’ needs, pain points, and barriers to adoption is crucial. This ensures the successful and practical application of new solutions in various industries.

The SONIC Labs facility and innovation programme is one of Digital Catapult’s advanced connectivity interventions. This initiative is delivered in partnership with Ofcom and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Since its launch, SONIC Labs has tested 71 Open RAN products from 26 global vendors. It has established itself as a key driver towards open, interoperable, and secure advanced connectivity and network infrastructure in the UK.

Participants in the Programme

Accelleran

Founded in 2013 in Antwerp, Accelleran delivers Open Private 5G solutions that are as easy to deploy as WiFi. Its Open RAN ecosystem and RIC platform enable smart, flexible networks with real-world deployments across industries. Accelleran will bring its CU and DU for fronthaul interoperability testing within the programme.

Antevia Networks

Antevia Ltd was founded in March 2021 and is headquartered in Reading, UK, with research and development teams based in Vancouver, Canada. The leadership team brings extensive experience in 2G, 3G, and 4G in-building coverage. They are now leveraging Open RAN technology to pioneer a new class of in-building 5G coverage and capacity for enterprise environments. Antevia will bring its CU and DU for fronthaul interoperability testing within the programme.

Benetel

Based in Dublin, Ireland, Benetel is dedicated to delivering 5G O-RAN Split 7.2x Radio Units (O-RUs) to Communication Service Providers and Private Networks. Recognized as an early innovator in the 5G Open RAN radio ecosystem, Benetel will provide an indoor Radio Unit (RU) for conformance testing in this cohort.

G REIGNS

G REIGNS, an HTC Group subsidiary, is a pioneer in the private 5G space. The company redefines connectivity with open, disaggregated O-RAN solutions. It delivers agile, high-performance private networks that empower enterprises to unlock unprecedented levels of innovation. From hyper-real immersive experiences to intelligent factories, G REIGNS sets new industry benchmarks for flexibility and future-proofing. G REIGNS will bring its CU and DU products to the cohort.

IS-Wireless

IS-Wireless is based in Poland and specializes in developing software-defined 4G and 5G mobile networks. It has been recognized as one of the few European RAN vendors by leading telco operators in its November 2021 report “Building an Open RAN Ecosystem for Europe.” IS-Wireless contributes to the programme by bringing a Centralised Unit (CU) and the L2 stack, part of the Distributed Unit (DU). It will bring its CU and DU to the programme for E2E testing.

Pegatron

Pegatron 5G offers a comprehensive suite of end-to-end and interoperable 5G products. These offerings span various domains, including a family of 5G Radios, Servers, and Networking products. Pegatron’s 5G portfolio caters to global enterprises, emphasizing high throughput, low latency, and robust security. Pegatron will bring an indoor Radio Unit (RU) to the programme.

Conclusion

The inclusion of these six international vendors marks a significant step towards enhancing the UK's advanced connectivity landscape. Digital Catapult's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration will undoubtedly lead to a more robust and diverse telecommunications market. As these vendors trial their products and services, the future of Open RAN technologies looks promising. The collaboration between Digital Catapult and these vendors will pave the way for a more connected and efficient digital ecosystem in the UK.

By embracing new technologies and partnerships, the UK can ensure it remains at the forefront of global connectivity solutions. This initiative not only supports the growth of individual companies but also strengthens the overall telecommunications infrastructure, benefiting businesses and consumers alike.