O2 successfully tests Open Radio Access Network technology (RAN) from Vilicom

• O2 is extending indoor 4G and 5G mobile connectivity to businesses, working with Vilicom to tackle indoor blackspots
• The new solution’s cost-effective model will enhance O2’s existing network service, improving voice quality and data speeds
• O2 is the first mobile operator to trial this technology and will connect the pilot rollout to its live network next year
• O2 runs the UK’s largest Mobile Network and the company continues to commit key network investment to help Rebuild Britain

Today, O2 announces it has successfully piloted the integration and operation of Vilicom’s Open RAN (O-RAN) infrastructure, enhancing indoor mobile connectivity for O2 business customers over Vilicom’s Connectivity-as-a-Service (CaaS) network platform. O2 is the first mobile network operator to work with Vilicom to trial this technology and plans to connect the pilot rollout to its live network next year.

O-RAN is an open and software-defined network technology that enables operators to broaden their number of network infrastructure partners in order to facilitate a better and more cost-effective network service for customers.

Vilicom’s infrastructure has been developed in partnership with Mavenir using its Cloud RAN technology aligned to the JOTS Neutral Host In-Building connectivity model, and unlike legacy solutions, is a fully digital business model. The CaaS network platform streamlines operations, rapidly reducing the cost and space requirements of inbuilding 4G and 5G public and private mobile connectivity for the UK’s industries and businesses.

As mobile connectivity helps power the country’s recovery, businesses of all sizes, across the UK, require reliable 4G and 5G connectivity indoors. O2’s integration of Vilicom’s virtualised O-RAN platform will meet this demand, and O2 business customers within the coverage area of Vilicom’s CaaS network will benefit from an enhanced network service including improved voice quality and data speeds.

Brendan O’Reilly, CTO, O2, commented: “Mobile connectivity is playing a vital role in rebuilding Britain and O-RAN technology presents an opportunity to provide better mobile coverage across the UK. We continue to invest in delivering the best possible network and are excited to be working with Vilicom to enhance indoor coverage for our business customers. O-RAN integrations such as this are an integral part of our commitment to deliver the best network experience for our customers, where they need it most.”

Sean Keating, CEO of Vilicom commented: “ Mobile Network Operators are and have been partners of Vilicom for the last 20-years. We are excited to have successfully tested this service with O2 who will benefit from this product in several ways. Bringing connectivity to their customers of course is the main one, but also it will allow them to densify the deployment of network coverage and capacity, where it is most needed – indoors.”

O2 announced earlier this year that it would be working with Mavenir and using O-RAN technology to enhance coverage, capacity and customer experience. This integration with Vilicom is part of O2’s commitment to further improve network service for customers. O2 continues to work with a number of partners including; DenseAir and WaveMobile to introduce O-RAN solutions that will redefine mobile network economics.