#USA #Open RAN #Chandler #VIAVI Solutions #ACCoRD Project

Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Open RAN Testing

In a significant move for the telecommunications industry, VIAVI Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAV) has announced a strategic partnership with AT&T and Verizon. This collaboration aims to accelerate the testing of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technologies through a project known as the Acceleration of Compatibility and Commercialization for Open RAN Deployments (ACCoRD). The partnership seeks to promote the adoption of open and interoperable network components and strengthen the resilience of the global supply chain, ultimately reducing entry barriers for new players in the Open RAN space.

Overview of the Initiative

The project will see VIAVI's Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR™) work closely alongside the ACCoRD initiative, which was officially recognized as a co-grantee by the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of their Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. This partnership is not just a step towards operational efficiency; it is a robust commitment to enhancing network performance and reliability in an ever-evolving telecommunications landscape.

Initially, VIAVI plans to equip laboratories at Iowa State University and Rutgers University with its NITRO® Wireless Open RAN Test Suite. This suite will be operated using the VIAVI Automation Management and Orchestration System (VAMOS), ensuring that testing processes are streamlined and efficient. Furthermore, as part of this collaboration, additional resources will be directed towards an upcoming lab at the University of Texas at Dallas, slated to be operational in 2026. This expansion is aimed at ensuring that ACCoRD’s testing services remain sustainable beyond the initial grant period.

Impacts on the Telecommunications Sector

According to Robert Soni, Vice President of RAN Technology at AT&T, this partnership is a critical element in driving forward technological advancements. He emphasized that working with VIAVI and Verizon on the ACCoRD initiative enables AT&T to propel its Open RAN projects, ultimately improving services for all stakeholders involved.

Steven Rice, Verizon’s Vice President of Network Planning, echoed these sentiments, noting that Verizon has been at the forefront of O-RAN adoption. With this partnership, he anticipates enhancements in network resilience and performance, which will positively impact both service providers and their customers.

Oleg Khaykin, President and CEO of VIAVI Solutions, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting VALOR’s capability to enhance the Open RAN testing process as it integrates more automated and cloud-based solutions. This evolution in testing methodologies is expected to support a more competitive market environment.

Future of Open RAN Testing

VALOR represents an innovative hybrid approach to telecommunications testing, combining Lab-as-a-Service and Test-as-a-Service models. This allows for the swift management and support of 5G and Open RAN deployments, significantly reducing the ramp-up time for new operations.

The ACCoRD consortium, led by AT&T and Verizon, also includes prominent international players such as NTT DOCOMO and Reliance Jio. It will focus activities at an Open RAN Testing, Evaluation and RD Center located in Dallas, Texas, with a satellite facility in Washington, D.C. This setup is designed to leverage the extensive expertise offered by the consortium’s academic partners, such as Virginia Tech, Northeastern University, and others.

Overall, the collaborative spirit of this partnership in linking various industry leaders not only strengthens the Open RAN initiative but also marks a pivotal advancement in the technology that underpins today's connectivity solutions. As such, it is expected to set a benchmark in eliminating previous barriers faced by firms looking to engage in the Open RAN ecosystem.