Wireless networks are going through a paradigm shift with the emergence of Open RAN. This new approach to architecting a multi-vendor network fosters innovation, agility, and cost efficiency in deploying and operating 5G networks. More importantly, it serves users better and faster than ever. However, there are mixed opinions in the industry and varied approaches to materializing the vision of Open RAN.

Open RAN represents a paradigm shift in RAN architecture, where the traditional monolithic RAN is disaggregated into smaller subsystems with open interfaces. This open interface enables the network operator to select the best subsystem and integrate it into a true Open RAN network. Open RAN can be realized with both single and multiple vendors. It allows for the flexibility of mixing and matching when there is a need to do so.

Samsung is an active participant in the O-RAN Alliance and co-chairs its working groups. Samsung is committed to advancing Open RAN and has made tremendous progress in North America, Europe, and Asia in deploying large-scale commercial Open RAN networks and expects to continue this momentum in the coming years.

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Fixed Wireless Access, or FWA, has emerged as a powerful enabler in the mobile landscape and is one method being used to fulfill the growing user demand for data. FWA is another offering to provide high-speed internet access to homes, businesses, and remote areas without relying on traditional wired connections like fiber or cable lines for the ‘last mile’ of connectivity. The demand for FWA itself among broadband users is growing with analyst firms expecting FWA users to reach 14-18 million in 2027 in the United States.

While solving for the last mile is one benefit of Fixed Wireless Access, it also offers operators a path to expand their business offerings and generate more revenue. They’re able to obtain new subscribers by promoting bundles for mobile and FWA services. The service is also able to provide initial high-speed access to businesses and consumers in urban and suburban areas to supplement and enhance existing networks. The advancements and proliferation of Fixed Wireless are advancing around the globe. MNOs worldwide are involved in FWA, but there are many others as well including MSOs and WISPs with regional operators playing a pivotal role in the growth of FWA.

Samsung is the leader in enabling operators to harness the next wave of Fixed Wireless Access applications. It will continue to advance mmWave leadership for FWA by offering new dual-band products and by enabling faster FWA deployments with its proven vRAN architecture.

With much of the world standing on the brink of mainstream 5G usage, operators are looking for ways to extract maximum value from their network investments – essentially trying to figure out how to monetize 5G. Operators have spent the past few years on things like spectrum, working to increase base stations needed for sufficient coverage and capacity, and implementing new software tools that allow for autonomous networks and faster delivery of services and upgrades. Providers are now starting to take advantage of the high-speed, low-latency, and connectivity capacities that 5G brings to the market.

Today, operators are finding new ways to monetize 5G with Fixed Wireless Access, network slicing, as well private 5G networks. The learnings taken from 4G, including slower roll-out plans and commodity-based plays, are also helping to inform strategies surrounding 5G.

Operators will usher in a new wave of innovation that could unlock additional revenue streams as they monetize 5G. Private networks for enterprises in particular offer a great opportunity for monetization due to their scalability over the latest in Wi-Fi technology.

Watch and listen to this Networks Tech Talk episode to learn more about how operators can take advantage of the high-speed, low-latency, and connectivity capacities that 5G brings to the market.