Global open RAN gets a push with new UK-Taiwan alliance

• Taiwan’s ITRI and UK’s Digital Catapult partner to boost Open RAN at the 5G Summit 2024.
• The collaboration will enhance interoperability and focus on scalable Open RAN use cases like indoor small cells.

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What happened

Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has partnered with the UK’s Digital Catapult to advance Open RAN technology. The announcement was made at the 5G Summit 2024, held from October 22–25, where the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The partnership aims to speed up the global adoption of Open RAN by improving testing frameworks and interoperability, with a focus on the UK’s SONIC Labs program.

The collaboration targets regional applications like indoor small cells and includes joint testing, knowledge sharing, and commercial exploration. It also builds on ITRI’s partnerships with neutral labs in the U.S. and Germany, such as the U.S. Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and Germany’s i14y Lab. These efforts aim to create a unified global framework for Open RAN. Since 2021, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has supported Open RAN development, with 27 companies undergoing testing and eight receiving recognition for their solutions.

Also read: Viettel launches first commercial 5G network based on Open RAN

Also read: Visitors spark lively discussion at ITRI Open Network Lab

Why it’s important

This partnership is critical because Open RAN can transform how networks are built and operated. It offers improved performance, lower costs, and greater sustainability. By working together, ITRI and Digital Catapult are addressing key challenges like interoperability and scalability, which are essential for broader adoption.

Small businesses could benefit significantly. Recognized Taiwanese firms may access global markets, while UK-based testbeds like SONIC Labs create opportunities for startups to refine their solutions.

This collaboration also highlights the growing need for international partnerships in technology. By unifying testing frameworks, the alliance could set new industry standards and drive innovation globally. As 5G expands, open RAN development is crucial for making networks more adaptable and accessible, benefiting companies and consumers worldwide.