VIAVI, AT&T, and Verizon Forge Partnership for Open RAN Growth

New Collaboration to Accelerate Open RAN Development

VIAVI Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAV) has recently formed a significant collaboration with AT&T and Verizon aimed at spearheading testing for Open RAN technologies. This partnership positions VIAVI's innovative Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN, known as VALOR, alongside the ACCeleration of Compatibility and Commercialization for Open RAN Deployments (ACCoRD) initiative, directed by AT&T and Verizon. Both entities are co-grantees of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, which underlines their commitment to fostering an open, interoperable network environment that seeks to enhance global supply chain resilience.

Benefits of the Partnership

The collaboration is built on the foundational belief that more accessible and standardized testing frameworks can pave the way for new entrants in the Open RAN arena. VIAVI will be supplying essential resources, including advanced testing technologies to ACCoRD labs at prominent academic institutions such as Iowa State University and Rutgers University. This technology integration includes the NITRO® Wireless Open RAN Test Suite, which will enable thorough assessments of Open RAN implementations.

Future Testing Facilities and Initiatives

In 2026, another lab will be added at the University of Texas at Dallas, ensuring a sustained commitment to Open RAN testing beyond the grant period. The labs are intended as hubs for rigorously assessing the benefits of Open RAN technologies in real-world environments, which are crucial for optimizing telecommunications infrastructures.

Voices Behind the Collaboration

Robert Soni, AT&T's Vice President of RAN Technology, emphasized the necessity of this collaboration, stating that it will accelerate their Open RAN initiatives and ultimately lead to improvements that benefit all stakeholders, enhancing capabilities and flexibility within their networks.

Verizon's Vice President of Network Planning, Steven Rice, shared similar sentiments, underlining that their long-standing leadership in the development of O-RAN standards is pivotal for fostering competition and innovation. According to him, this joint venture with VIAVI and AT&T is anticipated to bring significant improvements in network performance and resiliency, which will extend benefits to both operators and consumers.

Oleg Khaykin, President and CEO of VIAVI Solutions, expressed pride in supporting the ACCoRD initiative through the provision of testbeds and technology integration. He highlighted that VALOR is well-equipped to facilitate the evolution of Open RAN testing as it shifts towards more automated and cloud-driven methodologies.

About VALOR and ACCoRD

VALOR represents a hybrid Lab-as-a-Service and Test-as-a-Service model tailored to efficiently support 5G and Open RAN deployments. Its design ensures minimal setup time, allowing for quicker access to cutting-edge tools and expertise.

ACCoRD, led by AT&T and Verizon, incorporates significant academic partners including NTT DOCOMO and Reliance Jio. The principal location for ACCoRD's initiatives will be in the Dallas area, with support from key institutions such as Virginia Tech and Northeastern University. This collaboration aims to bolster the capabilities of Open RAN technologies comprehensively.

Conclusion

The collaboration among VIAVI, AT&T, and Verizon sets a progressive trend for the telecommunications industry, signaling a robust commitment to advancing Open RAN technologies. By leveraging their collective expertise and resources, these companies are establishing a framework that not only enhances current network capabilities but also fosters innovation and competition within the sector. This partnership is aligned with the overarching goal of enriching the customer experience by providing more resilient and flexible network solutions in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the partnership between VIAVI, AT&T, and Verizon?

The partnership focuses on accelerating Open RAN testing and fostering innovation in telecommunications through integrated resources and collaborative efforts.

What is the VALOR lab?

VALOR is VIAVI's Automated Lab-as-a-Service platform designed to support Open RAN deployments and assess new technologies efficiently.

Where will the ACCoRD labs be located?

The ACCoRD labs will initially be located at Iowa State University and Rutgers University, with expansion plans that include the University of Texas at Dallas.

How does this partnership benefit operators?

This collaboration aims to enhance network performance, improve resilience, and lower barriers for new players in the Open RAN space, ultimately benefiting operators and customers.

What technologies will be used in the collaboration?

The partnership will utilize advanced testing frameworks, including the NITRO® Wireless Open RAN Test Suite, to evaluate Open RAN technologies effectively.

About The Author

Olivia Taylor here, a 26-year-old writer and financial advisor. After earning a degree in finance, I worked in the sector for years. I've always loved numbers and had a talent for simplifying difficult financial ideas so that anyone could understand. I wrote my first book because of this passion; it helps readers take charge of their financial futures by fusing real-life stories with useful financial advice.

Whether they are just beginning their careers, preparing for significant life events, or seeking to invest wisely, my goal with my writing is to enable people to make educated financial decisions. The foundation of my work is the conviction that security and freedom of the individual are largely determined by financial literacy. To further financial education, I run workshops and frequently write for financial blogs in addition to my books.

I like to travel, experience other cultures, and find inspiration in daily life when I'm not writing or examining market trends. My passion is utilizing sound financial practices to help people reach their financial objectives and lead the best lives possible.

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