Telkom Kenya Secures Sh569.6 Million Deal for Open RAN Development
Telkom Kenya has partnered with Japanese tech firm Rakuten Symphony and US-based Airspan Networks in a Sh569.6 million ($4.4 million) deal to develop an advanced mobile network technology called Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN).
Open RAN is a new way of building radio access networks that allows for interoperability between different vendors’ equipment. Unlike traditional vendor-locked networks, Open RAN brings flexibility, innovation and cost efficiency in network deployment.
Funding and Technology Integration
The project will be funded by a technology grant from the Japanese and US governments through Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks.
The partners will set up a testing facility and conduct field and network trials to advance 4G and 5G technology, Open RAN solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) applications in Africa. AI plays a big role in network optimization where machines can simulate human intelligence in problem solving.
Partner Roles
Each partner will bring in their expertise and resources:
Airspan Networks – 4G and 5G radio units.
Rakuten Symphony – Operational support system platform and Open RAN software stack to manage and optimize network components.
Telkom Kenya – Human capital and physical infrastructure for the project.
Beyond network deployment, the long-term goal is to transfer knowledge and train local developers and engineers so Kenya can sustain and expand Open RAN technology.
A Boost for Kenya’s Tech Industry
Telkom Kenya CEO Mugo Kibati described the partnership as a big win, positioning Kenya as a hub for research, development and testing of technology in Africa.
The Japanese government will invest $3 million (Sh388.4 million) and the US government $1.4 million (Sh181.2 million) through their respective technology companies.
This is a big step towards improving mobile connectivity and innovation in Kenya’s telecom sector and opens up opportunities for broader adoption of Open RAN in Africa.
