AT&T to deploy Fujitsu and Mavenir radio’s in crowded urban areas
AT&T announced today that it has signed new agreements with Fujitsu and Mavenir to develop radios specifically for crowded urban areas in its Open RAN deployment using Ericsson hardware and software. The goal is to improve network performance and coverage in cities with lots of mobile data traffic.
These radios will be open C-band radios (TDD 4T4R) and dual band radios (B25/B66 FDD 4T4R) which can be attached to existing utility and light poles. They can often be hidden, making them virtually unseen from street level. We are continuing to look for opportunities to bring additional third-party radios into the network when needed.
All open radios will be managed by Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP) via open management interfaces. EIAP is Ericsson’s open network management and service orchestration platform. It supports replacing the old legacy equipment and installing the new radios without missing a beat.
When Open RAN architectures are combined with innovative applications called ‘rApps’ from either the operator or third parties, they can greatly improve the customer experience. This is achieved through better network performance, wider coverage, cost efficiency, and fosters innovation. ‘rAPPs’ are expected to play a critical role in managing and sustaining third party radio innovation opportunities.
AT&T is moving 70% of its 5G network traffic to flow across Open RAN hardware by late 2026 – our customers can relax and enjoy a better wireless experience.
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Mavenir has been selling open RAN software for years, but it entered the 5G radio sector in 2022 with its OpenBeam brand. Mavenir’s radios for AT&T will be managed by Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP).
AT&T said it would only use Mavenir radios in “crowded urban areas,” which are typically covered by small cell radios rather than massive macro cell sites. The operator did not say how many Mavenir radios it would use nor when it might start deploying those radios.
“Maybe the initial thinking is it’s small cells, but there’s a bigger strategy at play here,” AT&T’s Jeff McElfresh said during a media event on Tuesday. McElfresh explained that small cells could play an important role inside AT&T’s network as network traffic increases. After all, small cells are viewed as a way to increase overall wireless network capacity in the absence of additional spectrum.
Mavenir’s other 5G radio customers include Paradise Mobile and Triangle Communications.
Aramco Digital, the tech-focused subsidiary of oil giant Saudi Aramco, is poised to invest $1 billion into Mavenir for a significant minority stake in the business.
That cash is needed. S&P Global recently warned that Mavenir is close to default or restructuring because it has insufficient funds to cover looming debt obligations.
References:
https://about.att.com/blogs/2024/open-ran-new-collaborations.html
https://www.lightreading.com/open-ran/at-t-to-deploy-radios-from-mavenir