MobiFone Corporation, a leading mobile network operator in Vietnam, and open RAN pioneer Rakuten Symphony have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a pilot project to jointly deploy a 4G and 5G open RAN mobile network in Vietnam.
The MoU, say the partners, will position MobiFone as one of the first mobile operators in Southeast Asia to deploy open RAN, showcase the technology as a viable and efficient solution for mobile network expansion, and provide technical validation to support the commercial operations of open RAN technology in Vietnam.
A pilot programme will see Rakuten Symphony supplying open RAN solutions and engaging with its ecosystem partners to support the project and provide necessary expertise throughout the pilot phase. MobiFone will ensure required cell and core sites are allocated, that the sites are fully prepared to host open RAN technology, and that a mobile core is available to execute the pilot project.
Mr Vinh Tuan Bao, Deputy General Director, MobiFone, says: “MobiFone has identified open RAN as a strategic pathway to gradually establish technological autonomy in next-generation mobile networks. This collaboration will extend far beyond a mere proof of concept. It will pave the way for deeper, more comprehensive partnerships in the near future.
Rakuten Symphony says it is committed to be a global leader in advanced standardised open RAN innovation and technology, automated quality assurance systems and edge cloud capabilities for next-generation communications.