MobiFone, one of Vietnam’s top mobile network operators, has taken a significant leap into the future by collaborating with Japan’s Rakuten Symphony to introduce the country’s first open radio access network (Open RAN). This pioneering initiative not only marks a transformative moment for Vietnam’s telecommunications landscape but also sets a precedent in the Southeast Asian region.
In a strategic move, the two companies have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement a pilot nationwide mobile network utilizing both 4G and 5G Open RAN technologies. This venture firmly positions MobiFone at the cutting edge of telecommunications innovation in Southeast Asia. Open RAN is being showcased as a practical and efficient solution for expanding mobile network coverage, while it also provides valuable technical validation for commercial operations in Vietnam.
As this ambitious project unfolds, Rakuten Symphony will deliver the essential Open RAN technology and liaise with its ecosystem of partners to provide technical expertise during the pilot phase. MobiFone, on the other hand, will lay the groundwork for the initiative by allocating necessary cell and core network sites, ensuring everything is set for the experimentation with this groundbreaking technology.
Mr. Vinh Tuan Bao, the Deputy General Director of MobiFone, emphasized the importance of this collaboration by stating, “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.”
Rakuten Symphony has gained a reputation as an early adopter of Open RAN technology and is dedicated to fostering standardized innovation, automated quality assurance, and advanced edge cloud capabilities within future communication frameworks. Drawing from their experience in successfully deploying a full-scale Open RAN network in Japan, supported by the Japanese government’s post-5G infrastructure initiative, Rakuten aims to replicate this success in Vietnam.
Sharad Sriwastawa, President of Rakuten Symphony, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “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.”
As MobiFone embarks on this exciting journey into the world of Open RAN, it seems the future of Vietnamese telecommunications is not just bright—it’s downright dazzling.
What is Open RAN and why is it significant for Vietnam?
Open RAN refers to an open framework for building radio access networks, which enhances flexibility and efficiency within mobile networks. Its introduction is pivotal for Vietnam as it provides a robust platform for expanding telecommunications infrastructure and improving network performance.
How will the collaboration between MobiFone and Rakuten Symphony unfold?
MobiFone and Rakuten Symphony will jointly deploy a pilot nationwide 4G and 5G Open RAN network, with Rakuten offering technological support and MobiFone preparing the necessary infrastructure.
What are the long-term goals of MobiFone’s vision for 2030?
MobiFone aims to become Vietnam’s leading technology corporation focused on revolutionizing the country’s digital infrastructure, with 5G technology as a key element in reshaping societal function and business practices.
