What Problems Does Open RAN Solve for Service Providers?

With Open RAN, the main driver for service providers is to increase vendor diversity and
avoid lock-in. This happens when service providers are “locked in” using a single vendor to
supply their equipment and software because switching suppliers isn’t straightforward. Now,
service providers want to move away from single-vendor solutions towards open, multi-
vendor networks with enhanced control and flexibility.

Deploying O-RAN gives providers a clear path towards fully programmable, intelligent, and
multi-vendor RAN. With the help of a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), providers can control
and optimize RAN functions with integrated applications. Specifically, a RIC is a software-
defined component of the Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architecture that
enables the onboarding of service provider, vendor, and third-party apps. These applications
are accessible in an “app store” and help service providers automate and optimize RAN
operations at scale. Applications also support innovative use cases that lower mobile
operators’ total cost of ownership (TCO) and enhance customers’ quality of experience
(QoE).
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies can also be deployed with
Open RAN RIC architecture. These AI/ML functions enable faster, innovative services and
lower TCO.