Friday, 4 April 2025
27.2 C
Singapore
28.1 C
Thailand
20.3 C
Indonesia
26.9 C
Philippines

StarHub and NTT DOCOMO introduce Open Radio Access Network in Singapore

StarHub and NTT DOCOMO have launched Singapore's first Open RAN on the 5G network, offering businesses more flexibility, value, and customisation.

StarHub has made history by completing Singapore’s first Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) call on its 5G network. This milestone, achieved on 29 August 2024, represents a significant step forward in telecommunications. The breakthrough was made possible through a collaboration with NTT DOCOMO, with representatives from NTT DOCOMO, Keysight Technologies, and Fujitsu present at StarHubโ€™s office to witness the field trial.

A milestone for Singapore’s 5G network

The successful Open RAN call marks an important development in how telecommunications networks are designed and operated. Ayush Sharma, StarHubโ€™s Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, โ€œWith the successful demonstration of our Open RAN, in collaboration with NTT DOCOMO, we are thrilled to be the first to bring it to market, marking this significant milestone for StarHub and Singapore.โ€ He added that this move demonstrates StarHubโ€™s commitment to offering innovative solutions that provide businesses with more value, flexibility, and customisation.

How Open RAN benefits enterprises

Open RAN differs from traditional Radio Access Network (RAN) by allowing businesses to customise various network components, such as radios and base stations, according to their specific needs. This decoupling of network elements enables enterprises to be “vendor-agnostic,” meaning they can use equipment from different suppliers that work together seamlessly. This approach not only provides more options but can potentially reduce costs for businesses. Additionally, Open RAN offers the capability to optimise network performance through RAN Intelligent Controllers, allowing enterprises to tailor network operations to their user demands.

Sadayuki Abeta, OREX Evangelist and Chief Open RAN Strategist of NTT DOCOMO, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “On top of giving MNOs the freedom of choice and lowering operational costs, Open RAN allows MNOs to keep up with the latest technology, freeing them from any particular providerโ€™s roadmap. This opens the door to an infinite number of possibilities in how we build networks around the world, and NTT DOCOMO and OREX SAI are excited to partner with StarHub in this endeavour.”

Ensuring network readiness and future collaboration

To ensure the reliability and performance of Open RAN, Keysight Technologies thoroughly tested StarHub’s system. StarHub’s Open RAN achieved impressive results using Keysightโ€™s UeSIM UE Emulation RAN Solutions, which simulates real network traffic. The network demonstrated a downlink throughput of up to 1.295Gbps and an uplink throughput of 73.5Mbps, with an average latency of 15 milliseconds. These results confirm the network’s readiness for consumer use and market adoption.

StarHub and NTT DOCOMO are committed to continuing their partnership to develop further and expand Open RAN capabilities. Together, they aim to pioneer technological advancements that will shape the future of communication, both in Singapore and globally.

Hot this week

Google Pixel 9a arrives in Singapore this April for S$799

The Google Pixel 9a launches in Singapore in April 2025 with a Tensor G4 chip, 48MP camera, and seven years of updates, starting at S$799.

Krafton strengthens presence in India with Nautilus Mobile acquisition

Krafton acquires a controlling stake in Indian gaming studio Nautilus Mobile for US$14M, strengthening its foothold in Indiaโ€™s growing gaming market.

Fitbit users now have until 2026 to migrate to Google accounts

Fitbit users now have until February 2, 2026, to migrate their accounts to Google accounts or risk losing their data and service access.

OpenAI pauses free GPT-4o image generation after viral Studio Ghibli trend

OpenAI halts free GPT-4o image generation after viral Studio Ghibli trend raises legal concerns, leaving paid users with continued access.

OpenAI secures US$40 billion in funding at US$300 billion valuation

OpenAI secures US$40B, reaching a US$300B valuation, to advance AI research and expand Stargate.

Spotify introduces AI-powered ads and programmatic ad buying

Spotify unveils AI-powered ads and the Spotify Ad Exchange, making it easier for advertisers to reach Gen Z listeners with real-time bidding.

YouTube expands shopping affiliate programme in Singapore through Shopee partnership

YouTube teams up with Shopee to launch its Shopping affiliate programme in Singapore, giving creators new ways to monetise their content.

Misconceptions about STEM careers continue to deter young women in Singapore

New research shows stereotypes and lack of support are deterring young women from STEM careers, posing a risk to Singaporeโ€™s innovation goals.

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK to help Hong Kong brands expand into Southeast Asia

Synagie and HKT launch ShopHK, helping Hong Kong SMEs tap into Southeast Asia's booming US$600 billion e-commerce market.

Related Articles