This first site in the UK went live at the Royal Welsh Showground (pictured) in Builth Wells, Powys, to provide 4G coverage.
The operator says OpenRAN technology paves the way for faster rollout of remote rural mobile coverage using alternative technology partners.
Vodafone said it will work to identify communities across the UK where it can use OpenRAN to more economically introduce voice and high-speed data using the new technology.
Closing the digital divide
Scott Petty, CTO at Vodafone UK (read our recent interview with him) said, “This is our first live OpenRAN site in the UK, and that’s an important milestone.
“This new approach has the ability to make us less dependent on current larger technology suppliers, and find ways to reduce the cost of rolling out mobile coverage. OpenRAN can also help close the digital divide between urban and rural Britain.”
This announcement is the latest development in Vodafone initiatives to extend 4G and 5G services to rural communities, including the launch of the UK’s first Shared Rural Network (SRN) site in Wales, and connecting residents in rural Scotland under the Scottish 4G Infill Programme.