Its NTT Data division is working with Mavenir, a Texas-based cloud specialist that has become a notable player in the emerging market for open radio access networks (open RAN or O RAN) for mobile operators.
“While major providers only offer combinations of 4G and 5G networks and rely on proprietary systems, NTT Data focused early on virtualised networks and is a clear pioneer in offering a pure 5G network,” said Sebastian Solbach, head of telecommunications at NTT Data.
“Mavenir was an obvious partner for us because the company has several years of experience with virtualised core and RAN network elements, is established with all German mobile providers and is one of the few companies to offer a complete network portfolio — an ideal complement for us as experts for IT and business solutions.”
The companies said that the cooperation is expected to provide a complete range of 5G and 4G systems and solutions. These range from open RAN radio access, cloud core solutions for data and voice, management and orchestration of 5G solutions, digital enablement platforms to analytics and applications for enterprises and industry.
Mavenir’s general manager of emerging business, Aniruddho Basu (pictured), said that this is one of the “new and disruptive ways to digitise industry and enterprise”.
He said this would “bring 5G capabilities that will leverage connectivity, mobility, data and networking for their digital transformation”.
Stockholm-based Basu, who joined Mavenir from Ericsson last year, added: “This collaboration also underscores Mavenir’s efforts in building a strong and symbiotic partner ecosystem. Together with NTT Data, we will bring to bear global and local market reach, strong cloud capabilities, complementary technology and solution assets, and enhance a digital marketplace with a joint ecosystem of applications and devices.”
NTT Data said this is an important element of its software-defined 5G strategy: “The focus here is on virtualised mobile networks which reduce the dependence of subscribers on their provider. In the initial phase, they will be jointly developing concepts for the German-speaking market (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), with an expansion to other regions and markets expected to follow.”
For the private network offerings, NTT Data and Mavenir said they are combining their respective strengths to enable the creation of state-of-the-art solutions and services on the market. This also includes cooperation with private companies from various industries, public and government authorities, and network operators to support the introduction and integration of private networks and related applications and services.
