Open RAN: five defining themes for 2021

Open RAN dominated the wireless infrastructure news cycle in 2020. It is not difficult to understand why: the move to disaggregate the digital and radio components of RAN infrastructure touches on an array of important topics, ranging from supply chain diversity and supplier innovation to best-of-breed solution creation and enterprise 5G.

Trials and operator commitments signal that open RAN is more than just an interesting concept. Yet, the technology is still in its infancy, with vendors competing to build out their solutions, operators racing to establish their strategies and governments convening hearings to figure out what it means for them. Open RAN progress in 2021 will define its trajectory, with new dynamics surfacing as the technology matures.