United Group and Parallel Wireless will begin to test open radio access network (ORAN) technology in Bulgaria using Vivacom’s network, the country’s leading mobile network operator, which United Group owns.
U.S.-based Parallel Wireless is a provider of ORAN technology that encapsulates all generations of cellular connectivity, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. The trial in Bulgaria will include ORAN 2G, 4G and 5G and will include a cluster of sites that demonstrates the successful implantation of ORAN networks in urban and rural environments.
The trial’s purpose is to show equivalent or improved performance compared to traditional radio access networks (SRAN). It will consist of lab and in-field tests to ensure the technology can perform across Bulgaria and on Vivacom’s existing network.
Until recently, mobile network operators (MNOs) relied on vendors to supply the full RAN infrastructure, including hardware and software. ORAN disaggregates hardware and software components, which grants MNOs flexibility to build their networks using non-proprietary subcomponents from a variety of different vendors.
“Bulgaria is a great place to showcase the benefits of ORAN demonstrating its flexibility and agility, allowing United Group and Vivacom the freedom to choose its vendors without being locked in with one specific vendor,” said Steve Papa, founder & CEO of Parallel Wireless.
