Japan's Rakuten Symphony to trial 4G and 5G Open RAN mobile networks in Vietnam

Open RAN is a revolution in mobile network architecture, one that is providing lower costs, better service provisioning, more flexible network deployment, better network management and more.

The MoU will position MobiFone, Vietnam's first mobile telecommunications network, as one of the first mobile operators in Southeast Asia to deploy Open RAN, showcase the technology as a viable and efficient solutions for mobile network expansion, and provide technical validation to support commercial operations.

Sharad Sriwastawa, president of Rakuten Symphony, said, “Rakuten Symphony is pleased to support MobiFone in deploying one of Southeast Asia’s first commercial Open RAN mobile networks. The Rakuten team is looking forward to sharing our success in Japan with Vietnam by showcasing the transformational benefits of Open RAN, including deployment flexibility, enhanced network performance and security, and improved customer experience with new and innovative mobile services.”

Vinh Tuan Bao, deputy general director of MobiFone, said, “Our vision for 2030 is to become Vietnam’s leading technology corporation, taking the lead in building the nation’s digital infrastructure. On this journey, 5G is positioned as a key foundational pillar, playing an essential role not only as a technological breakthrough, but also as a transformative platform that redefines societal operations and production methods."

"MobiFone has identified Open RAN as a strategic pathway to gradually establish technological autonomy in next-generation mobile networks. We firmly believe that with Rakuten Symphony’s proven expertise and MobiFone’s unwavering commitment, this collaboration will extend far beyond a mere proof of concept. It will pave the way for deeper, more comprehensive partnerships in the near future,” Bao added.

The pilot programme will see Rakuten Symphony supplying Open RAN solutions and engaging with its ecosystem partners to support the project and provide necessary expertise throughout the pilot phase. MobiFone will provide the required cell and core sites and ensure that the sites are fully prepared to host Open RAN technology and that a mobile core is available to execute the pilot scheme.

Rakuten Symphony is committed to being a global leader in advanced standardised Open RAN innovation and technology, automated quality assurance systems, and edge cloud capabilities for next-generation communications.

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Vietnam is shaping up for the next wave of mobile Mobile has been pivotal in driving digital transformation, furnishing individuals and businesses with a broad range of transformative technologies, while also supporting governments in achieving positive social impacts.