Russia will adopt the state OpenRAN standards for the development of 5G

Already in the spring in Russia, within the framework of import substitution, national standards for telecommunication equipment Open Radio Access Network (OpenRAN) will appear. The standards will accelerate the development of domestic solutions for 5G networks.

Russia will be the first in the world to adopt the OpenRAN architecture as the basis for a national standard. Russian OpenRAN standards are created on the basis of specifications developed by the international O-RAN alliance (which includes major global telecom operators). Russian standards will be harmonized with the solutions created in the OpenRAN paradigm.

According to experts, the cost of network solutions for cellular operators will decrease by ensuring the compatibility of equipment from different manufacturers, which is important for each mobile subscriber.

“In the context of the development of 5G networks, the technology may be in demand, as it will reduce capital expenditures on the construction of infrastructure”, said Daria Kolesnikova, a representative of Tele2 cellular communications. 

The operators support the initiative, but they are not yet ready to use an open network architecture as there is currently no commercially available equipment based on the OpenRAN Alliance specifications.

However, experts expect the commercial launch of OpenRAN no earlier than in three to five years due to concerns related to information security and compatibility of existing solutions. So far, the entire infrastructure of operators is built on imported equipment, and the transition to open standards is associated with risks of unstable network operation.

“Open RAN is a key technology for modern mobile networks, it will enable faster deployment of 5G networks”, said Olga Baranova, Chief Operating Officer of Orange Business Services in Russia and the CIS. However, the formation of national standards requires the participation of all market players: telecom equipment manufacturers, vendors, operators, content providers, specialized associations and alliances, scientists, equipment and software developers, as well as representatives of relevant ministries.