Telkom Kenya is making bold moves in the telecom industry with its latest partnership to develop and test Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology. This Kshs 568 million ($4.4 million) project, backed by Rakuten Symphony (Japan) and Airspan Networks (USA), promises significant advancements in network performance, especially for Android users who rely on stable and fast mobile connectivity.
What’s the deal about?
Telkom has teamed up with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks to set up a testing facility that will focus on Open RAN, 4G/5G networks, and AI-driven network optimization. The funding comes from the Japanese and U.S. governments, highlighting Kenya’s growing importance as a hub for mobile innovation in Africa.
Unlike traditional Closed RAN networks where telecom providers depend on a single vendor, Open RAN allows multiple vendors to contribute to the network infrastructure. This means:
- Lower costs for mobile network operators – Potentially leading to cheaper data plans for consumers.
- Improved coverage – Especially in rural areas where connectivity remains a challenge.
- Enhanced network quality – Faster speeds, reduced congestion, and better overall reliability for smartphone users.
How this benefits Android users
For Android users in Kenya, this partnership could bring several tangible improvements:
- Better 4G and 5G performance – The project aims to refine 4G and 5G networks, reducing issues like slow speeds and dropped connections.
- Stronger rural coverage – Open RAN’s flexibility allows for cost-effective expansion into underserved areas, meaning more Android users will access stable internet.
- AI-optimized connectivity – The integration of AI can enhance real-time network performance, improving video calls, online gaming, and overall app experience.
- Affordable data plans – Lower network deployment costs for Telkom might translate into more competitive mobile data pricing.
According to President of Rakuten Symphony, Mr. Sharad SRIVASTAVA:
Our diverse portfolio of solutions delivers proven positive outcomes for mobile network operators across the world. We look forward to bringing Rakuten Symphony’s proven global expertise in mobile network transformation to support Telkom’s commitment to innovation.
Glenn LAXDAL, President and CEO of Airspan, added that:
Telkom’s collaboration with this consortium to explore the latest telecommunication advancements reflects bold innovation that will place Kenya at the heart of Africa’s technological leadership within the region. Airspan is proud to support this vision with advanced 4G/5G solutions, alongside Rakuten Symphony, whose expertise as the one of world’s largest commercial Open RAN vendors ensures impactful results.
Telkom Kenya CEO Mugo Kibati emphasized that this initiative sets Kenya on the path to becoming a research and development hub for advanced telecom technologies. Telkom, unlike other regional telcos that only purchase RAN technology, is actively involved in its development, ensuring local expertise grows alongside technological advancements.
In his remarks, Mr. Kibati added that:
Telkom is intent on being involved in the entire process; the development, testing, and consequent deployment of the technology in an open environment. In addition, our teams will benefit greatly from knowledge transfer with global market leaders.
Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks bring global expertise in Open RAN, ensuring that the technology deployed meets international standards. This positions Kenya as a leader in next-generation mobile networks and opens doors for future innovations.
This partnership isn’t just about network upgrades; it’s about reshaping the future of mobile connectivity in Kenya. With improved speeds, wider coverage, and AI-driven network optimization, Android users stand to gain a more seamless and reliable experience. Whether it’s smoother YouTube streaming, lag-free gaming, or uninterrupted work-from-home setups, Telkom’s move is a game-changer.
