Samsung Electronics’ 5G communication equipment is being supplied to the telecommunications operator TELUS, which has embarked on strengthening its 5G network by establishing Canada’s first Open Radio Access Network (OpenRAN).
TELUS announced on Feb. 17 through its newsroom that it is expanding its collaboration with Samsung Electronics to establish OpenRAN not only in new infrastructures but also in existing ones. Samsung Electronics was selected as TELUS’s 5G communication equipment supplier in June 2020, and this OpenRAN establishment marks a further expansion of their cooperation. This is the first time OpenRAN has been introduced in Canada.
OpenRAN is a new way to build a Radio Access Network (RAN). It is a technology that allows the interconnection of equipment from different manufacturers by standardizing software elements such as the interfaces (APIs) required for the connection between communication equipment.
Since its first entry into the Canadian market in December 2019, Samsung Electronics began supplying 5G communication equipment to TELUS in June 2020. Since then, it has been able to solidify its position as a major communication vendor in the local communication equipment market.
Founded in 1990, TELUS has been providing internet and mobile communication services. Since 2000, it has invested about CAD$200 billion in national wired and wireless communication networks, frequency acquisition, and network operation, offering high-speed communication services across Canada. Additionally, TELUS has invested an extra CAD$40 billion in the 5G field from 2020 over three years to spread digital innovation in various industries for the hyper-connected era.
TELUS exclusively used Huawei equipment for its 4G services. However, due to the U.S.-China trade dispute and emerging security concerns, Huawei was excluded from its 5G project.
By partnering with Samsung Electronics and establishing OpenRAN, TELUS aims to improve customer experience and promote network innovation, providing more opportunities for equipment suppliers. The adoption of OpenRAN allows telecommunications companies to expand their equipment choices and reduce infrastructure construction costs.
TELUS stated, “The adoption of Virtualized RAN (vRAN) allows for the use of software, enabling faster application of the latest technology and the use of communication equipment from various manufacturers as needed.”
Najim Benhaddid, chief technology officer of TELUS, expressed, “This development is a very interesting milestone in the industry, as it enables us to provide a new mobile experience to Canadians. We are proud to be the first Canadian telecommunications company to integrate cutting-edge technology with other partners, including Samsung.”
TELUS and Samsung Electronics have tested vRAN and OpenRAN in some Canadian markets, achieving excellent results. Additionally, Samsung Electronics’ vRAN solution-based multi-vendor OpenRAN technology has been validated for its outstanding performance and stability. Commercialization is set to begin in the first half of this year, with a large-scale network rollout expected to start in the middle of the year.
For this collaboration, Samsung Electronics supports with versatile vRAN software and proven OpenRAN compatible solutions. The solutions offered by Samsung include enhanced energy savings, optimized performance, and the latest vRAN 3.0 for 4G and 5G through Service Management and Orchestration (SMO). Samsung’s AI-based SMO supports the simultaneous automatic deployment of thousands of network sites, helping TELUS accelerate its large-scale vRAN rollout.