Mavenir announces OpenRAN wins at DISH and Vodafone IDEA

As DISH Network continues to build out its software-defined 5G network, it has announced that is has entered into a multi-year agreement with Mavenir to deliver cloud-native OpenRAN software.
Marc Rouanne, DISH’s Chief Network Officer explained: “Mavenir will help us lay the foundation for an innovative software-defined network with the flexibility, intelligence and scalability to deliver applications that will redefine the US wireless industry.”
DISH provides entertainment services via satellite-based DISH TV and streaming Sling TV services; OnTech Smart Services which support the installation of connected home devices and entertainment solutions; and targeted advertising via DISH Media. It intends to become a US-wide facilities-based provider of wireless services, which involves it rolling out the first standalone 5G broadband network in the US.
Meanwhile Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) has expanded its Open RAN-based deployments in India using Mavenir’s OpenRAN solution for 4G. VIL is a JV between Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group and provides a pan-India voice and data network using 2G, 3G and 4G. VIL is committed to OpenRAN and has the largest deployment of Ma-MIMO in India to date. It has already deployed OpenRAN on multiple cell sites, which have been carrying commercial traffic since December 2019. It intends to extend this deployment of TDD and Ma-MIMO sites to other Indian cities throughout 2020.
Pardeep Kohli, Mavenir’s President and CEO, explained that the solution had been designed to meet VIL’s availability requirements and network-based KPIs for enhanced customer experience (such as throughput and handovers across technologies).
“Vodafone Idea is building a robust, future ready 4G+ network using the latest technology,” said Vishant Vora, CTO at Vodafone Idea. “After having successfully disaggregated our core network elements, disaggregating the RAN is a natural next step for us. We’re happy to be partnering with Mavenir for this initiative, which has the potential to not only reduce our costs but also create exciting new capabilities customised to our business requirements.”