Open RAN Public-Private One Team 'ORIA' Launched... Opening Global Market

Announcement of Policy Directions Including Testbed Construction and Demonstration Projects

On the 16th, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced the government's Open RAN policy direction at the Pangyo 2nd Techno Valley Enterprise Support Hub and held the ORIA Launch Ceremony to present the operational direction of the 'Open RAN Industry Alliance (ORIA),' which was launched in April.

Major countries including the United States and Japan are actively introducing Open RAN into their domestic communication networks to diversify telecommunications equipment suppliers. Market research firm Omdia forecasted that with additional demand from developing countries, the Open RAN market will grow more than fivefold from $1.2 billion (approximately 1.6064 trillion KRW) in 2021 to $6.4 billion (approximately 8.5645 trillion KRW) in 2026. In line with the growth of the Open RAN market, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced the 'Open RAN Activation Policy Plan,' focusing on ▲building infrastructure to support full-cycle commercialization ▲securing technological and standard competitiveness ▲creating an ecosystem based on public-private cooperation.

Major Roles and Functions of K-OTIC
[Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT]

First, global manufacturers' equipment will be introduced to the Open RAN testbed established in Pangyo to expand testing and demonstration opportunities for domestic companies, and an international certification system for Open RAN equipment (K-OTIC) will be established. Based on this infrastructure, the ministry will support the commercialization and market entry of domestic companies' Open RAN equipment and hold international events (Plugfest) twice a year where domestic and foreign companies verify the interoperability of Open RAN equipment.

In accordance with the development stages of Open RAN technology, full support will be provided to help domestic companies secure core technological competitiveness. Through Open RAN technology development (R&D) projects, core technologies such as Open RAN components, equipment, and software (SW) will be secured, and research for domestic and international standard development as well as international joint research with major countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom will be actively promoted.

Furthermore, to ensure that Open RAN infrastructure and technological capabilities lead to securing domestic and international market leadership, an Open RAN industrial ecosystem based on cooperation among the public and private sectors and large, medium, and small enterprises will be created. Through the establishment of the public-private consultative body ORIA, the development and advancement of Open RAN technology will be promoted, and a focal point will be established to lead the discovery and expansion of domestic and international Open RAN demand.

R&D Promotion Directions for Each Stage of Open RAN Technology
[Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT]

In connection with these government policies, ORIA plans to participate in the planning and establishment of the government's Open RAN R&D roadmap to contribute to securing the technological competitiveness of domestic companies, lead domestic and international demonstration projects, and support interoperability verification events (Plugfest) to create new Open RAN demand. It also announced a vision and strategy to actively participate in establishing the Open RAN equipment international certification system and the Open RAN international standardization process to build a foundation for global market entry and support the realization of a ‘leading country in Open RAN technology and products.’ SK Telecom will serve as the first chairperson of ORIA, leading the Open RAN ecosystem.

Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT visited the Open RAN testbed (AI Network Lab) of the National Information Society Agency (NIA), which supports testing and demonstration for domestic companies, observed Open RAN-based base station equipment, and received explanations about the role and future plans of the testbed. During the booth visit, he reviewed cooperation cases between large and small enterprises, such as Samsung Electronics-Solid’s joint entry into the U.S. market and Nokia-Samji Electronics’ Open RAN equipment interoperability tests. He also confirmed the development achievements and commercialization plans of promising domestic small and medium-sized enterprises such as HFR, Innowireless, and FR-TEC in Open RAN equipment.

Minister Lee stated, “As global technological hegemony competition surrounding networks intensifies, Open RAN is gaining attention as a key element to lead the technological hegemony competition,” adding, “Centered on ORIA, we will create a cooperative and mutually beneficial ecosystem among the public and private sectors and large, medium, and small enterprises, and actively promote international cooperation related to Open RAN technology and standards. We hope to expand advanced technology cooperation such as future international joint research.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.