Open RAN, and open ecosystems more broadly, are hot topics in the telecommunications arena. The promise of cost savings, quicker deployments and the customization of networks are an understandably attractive proposition for carriers large and small. Challenges, however, are plenty, and there is a lot of work to be done in standardization and its adoption.
The Telecom Infra Project, or TIP, named Kristian Toivo as executive director in March of 2022. Since that time, he has been spearheading the body’s efforts in driving and accelerating the deployment of open, disaggregated and standards-based technology that, in their own words, “deliver the high-quality connectivity that the world needs.”
While open RAN has grabbed most of the headlines lately, Kristian is quick to point out that the TIP covers much more than that, and the industry is keen to pursue technologies and architecture that support open infrastructure end-to-end. OpenWiFi, Open Packet & Transport (OPT), RIC and OpenBNG are just a few examples of other open fronts at the TIP.
In this interview, Kristian outlines TIP’s views on open ecosystems and addresses some common questions, from how “open” is open RAN really or whether it can really deliver on the hype and promise being touted. One thing is certain - as our industry evolves, it looks like open networks are the way of the future, and with this comes a seismic shift in the planning and deployment of cellular networks.
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