Telkom Kenya has announced a new partnership with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan, two leaders in telecommunications technology, to explore the potential of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology. This partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), outlining the key areas of collaboration and the shared commitment to advancing Open RAN technology in Kenya.
This strategic move comes amidst recent challenges faced by the telecommunications provider, including a substantial subscriber loss exceeding 800,000 in just three months. This decline was exacerbated by service disruptions caused by the shutdown of hundreds of network towers due to a dispute with American Towers Corporation (ATC) over unpaid leasing fees. These events have significantly impacted Telkom Kenya’s market position and highlighted the urgent need for a more robust and resilient network infrastructure.
Open RAN, with its open and interoperable architecture, offers a compelling solution for Telkom Kenya. By decoupling hardware and software, Open RAN allows for greater flexibility and interoperability among vendors, potentially leading to cost reductions and improved network performance. This aligns perfectly with Telkom Kenya’s need to enhance network reliability and efficiency, particularly after experiencing disruptions due to infrastructure challenges.
Furthermore, the partnership with global leaders in Open RAN technology will provide Telkom Kenya with access to cutting-edge expertise and knowledge. This knowledge transfer will be crucial as the company navigates the complexities of implementing and maintaining an Open RAN network.
By embracing Open RAN, Telkom Kenya aims to:
- Enhance Network Reliability and Resilience: Mitigate risks associated with network disruptions and improve overall service stability.
- Reduce Costs: Leverage the potential for increased competition among vendors to drive down operational expenses.
- Improve Network Performance: Enhance coverage, speed, and capacity to meet the growing demand for data services.
- Drive Innovation: Foster a more dynamic and competitive market by embracing new technologies and fostering innovation within the Kenyan telecommunications sector.
This strategic move by Telkom Kenya signifies a commitment to modernising its network infrastructure and improving its service offerings. By leveraging the potential of Open RAN, Telkom Kenya aims to overcome past challenges, enhance its competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth in the years to come.
