Vodafone Idea Deploys Mavenir Open RAN Solution

Plans Expansion of TDD & Massive MIMO Deployments in 2020

Mumbai, India and Richardson, TX, April 23, 2020 – Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL), India’s leading telecom operator, has expanded Open RAN based deployments in India with Open RAN solution providers. VIL’s Open RAN has been deployed on multiple Cell sites and are carrying commercial traffic since December 2019. The deployment has been carried out using Mavenir’s Open RAN solutions for 4G which provide dis-aggregated solutions using CoTS equipment and new Radio partners.

VIL is committed to Open RAN and will extend the deployment of TDD and Ma-MIMO sites in other cities this year.

Vodafone Idea has done the largest deployment of Ma-MIMO in India substantially enhancing capacities in key markets.

“Vodafone Idea is building a robust, future ready 4G+ network with latest technology deployments. After having successfully disaggregated stack of our key core network elements, disaggregating the RAN is a natural next step for us. We are happy to partner Mavenir for this initiative, which has a potential to not only reduce costs but also create exciting new capabilities customized to our business requirements,” said Vishant Vora, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited.

“Vodafone Idea is at the forefront of technology and innovation, looking to utilize and deploy the most versatile and effective solutions,” said Pardeep Kohli, Mavenir’s President and CEO. “Mavenir’s Open RAN software has been developed to meet the most stringent operator requirements for a fully loaded site, including VIL’s requirements for availability, network KPIs for enhanced customer experience including throughput and handovers across technologies.”

Vodafone Idea has been engaged with best in class partners within Open RAN space to develop a robust solution catering to traffic requirements of Indian Network and build a 4G+ network by advancing deployment of 5G technologies in VIL’s 4G network.

Open RAN refers to disaggregated RAN functionality built using open interface specifications between elements. It can be implemented in vendor-neutral hardware and software-defined technology based on open interfaces and community-developed standards. More information is available here.

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is India’s leading telecom service provider. The Company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G and 4G platform. With the large spectrum portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

For more information, please visit: www.vodafoneidea.com