Mobile operator Millicom last week announced that it will become the first operator in Latin America to deploy O-RAN compliant Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architecture in partnership with Parallel Wireless.
The innovative technology will be deployed by Millicom’s subsidiary Tigo Colombia, delivering 4G service coverage with 362 rural sites.
Open RAN is the disaggregation of hardware and software components so that one supplier’s software can be integrated with another supplier’s radio and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) server hardware. This open architecture paves the way for faster mobile coverage roll-out to remote rural areas. By taking this step, Millicom is fostering a broader industrial ecosystem, where both traditional and alternative vendors compete to provide radio access network (RAN) equipment and software, for the benefit of rural communities across Latin America.
By bringing innovation such as Open RAN to markets like Colombia, Millicom is helping to increase 4G penetration in the region, as the basis for the future 5G deployments and to tap the potential of cloud and artificial intelligence in its mobile network.
Xavier Rocoplan, EVP, Chief Technology and Information Officer at Millicom
For us at Millicom, delivering O-RAN based Open RAN technology is an important milestone. It not only means connecting more people in rural areas, starting with Colombia, but it’s also an innovative approach to reducing cost, increasing flexibility and efficiency by diversifying our supplier base.
Keith Johnson, President, Parallel Wireless
Millicom is an innovator in mobile connectivity, and we are excited to partner with them by deploying our world leading O-RAN compliant Open RAN solutions, enabling them to set an example for operators in the region and supporting their efforts to be the first to bring 4G connectivity to their rural and urban subscribers.
