The two claim this is a European first for Spain’s largest, converged operator
MasOrange, Spain’s largest operator by subscribers, and Ericsson have agreed a five-year partnership to prepare for open RAN deployment. Ericsson claims this “will put the Spanish operator at the forefront of Europe’s open and programmable networks”.
Ericsson will integrate Orange Spain’s and MASMOVIL’s networks. This is to include helping to consolidate MasOrange network using network solutions designed for “an increasingly open architecture”. The plan is that this approach will enable greater flexibility, scalability and innovation in network operations and service delivery.
From this month, the project will run in parallel with the deployment of Ericsson 5G Standalone (SA) kit in rural areas of Spain. When complete, the project will equip MasOrange with “one of the most extensive, high-capacity, and modern 5G Standalone mobile networks in Europe, enabling it to provide enhanced 5G services to subscribers throughout the country,” the vendor states.
Meinrad Spenger, CEO at MasOrange, says, “This collaboration with Ericsson represents a decisive moment not only for MasOrange, but also for European telecommunications industry as a whole and for the Spanish market, as we lead the development of Open RAN and we lay the foundation for an open and programmable mobile infrastructure that will drive technological advances and sustainable growth.”
The deal will include deployment of 5G Massive MIMO Time Division Duplex (TDD) technology. The project will also include network optimisation and densification.
Jenny Lindqvist, SVP and Head of Market Area Europe and Latin America, Ericsson, says, “With this agreement we look at the future where high-performance and differentiated networks will be key to digitalizing enterprises and society.
“Our vision for the industry is based on open and programmable networks with capabilities that are exposed through network APIs and leveraged by an ecosystem of developers – driving rapid innovation and growth. We are very proud of being trusted by MasOrange to initiate this strategic execution in Europe for the development of the 5G innovation cycle.”