Open RAN in 2026 has transitioned from a hyped concept to a strategic imperative, silently powering the next generation of mobile networks. While the initial fanfare may have softened, its foundational impact on network architecture, operational agility, and supply chain resilience is undeniable.
During a panel discussion at the Rakuten booth at MWC, moderated by Peter Jarich of GSMA Intelligence, Open RAN pioneers Sharad Sriwastawa, co-CEO of Rakuten Mobile and Michael Martin, CEO of 1&1 Mobilfunk, underscored a critical reality: Open RAN is indispensable for operators seeking strategic independence.
The early narrative surrounding Open RAN was often characterized by skepticism regarding its scalability and performance. However, real-world deployments now definitively refute these concerns. Michael Martin of 1&1 confirms, "The big hype... has not materialized as much as we hoped it should," yet for 1&1, adopting Open RAN from inception was a "big bet." Their network serves an impressive 12.5 million customers, establishing it as the largest Open RAN network by subscriber count.
This success is not isolated. Sharad Sriwastawa of Rakuten Mobile highlights a significant trend: every major greenfield network built in the last five to six years, including Rakuten, 1&1, and Dish, has fundamentally embraced Open RAN. This collective experience has moved Open RAN beyond theoretical debates, proving its operational efficacy at scale and establishing it as the default choice for new deployments.
.jpg)
The enduring value proposition of Open RAN extends far beyond initial cost projections, addressing critical strategic imperatives for modern telecom operators:
Strategic Independence and Supply Chain Resilience: The geopolitical landscape demands robust, diversified supply chains. Michael Martin emphasizes that Open RAN's disaggregated architecture provides unparalleled vendor flexibility, allowing operators to "exchange, to find out a way how we can move along independently in response to geopolitical challenges." This promise of independence has been unequivocally met, with 1&1's network integrating over 100 different partners. This capability is no longer a mere advantage but a necessity.
Accelerated Innovation and AI Integration: While the pace of innovation may not have matched early expectations, Open RAN inherently fosters an environment conducive to rapid development. Key areas like energy efficiency and satellite integration are poised for significant breakthroughs. Crucially, the disaggregated, cloud-native architecture of Open RAN facilitates seamless integration of AI technologies. Sharad notes that "where you have the DU and CU with the open APIs, that will help on the AI side because that's how you can have the intent based algorithms working there." This architectural flexibility is paramount for leveraging AI-driven network optimization and automation, which is significantly more challenging in traditional, monolithic RAN systems.
Economic Agility and Ecosystem Growth: Initial price competitiveness remains an area of development, particularly for components like Radio Units (RUs), which require greater scale for cost reduction. However, the anticipated increase in Open RAN adoption by major European operators, including Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica, and Orange, is expected to catalyze this shift. Michael Martin welcomes these developments, asserting that "then it scales and then an ecosystem develops," ultimately leading to greater choice and more competitive pricing. This expansion signifies a maturing market where an open ecosystem drives economic efficiency.
Deploying Open RAN demands a fundamental shift in organizational structure, talent acquisition, and operational philosophy. Michael Martin cautions against underestimating the effort involved, emphasizing the need for a "different way of working, different way of procurement style," and critically, a new breed of talent. The convergence of telecommunications and IT expertise is essential, requiring professionals who blend traditional radio and core network knowledge with cloud architecture and software development skills.
Despite these challenges, the inherent agility of Open RAN provides a powerful advantage. Sharad underscores that "Software will have issues and it can be fixed overnight." This continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) model, akin to modern software development, allows for rapid iteration and upgrades, a stark contrast to the lengthy, infrequent cycles of legacy networks. This agility is vital for future-proofing networks against evolving demands and emerging technologies.
.jpg)
Open RAN is not just about 5G; it's about enabling a more flexible and differentiated future for network evolution. For Rakuten Mobile, it underpins strategic initiatives like NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), Direct-to-Device capabilities, and the deployment of 5G Standalone (SA), allowing them to activate features based on market need rather than rigid upgrade cycles.
Looking ahead to 6G, Michael Martin posits that the traditional 10-year "G" cycles may become obsolete. A cloudified, software-hardware differentiated Open RAN architecture enables operators to "pick and choose whatever you need," deploying specific technological advancements across different network domains based on market demand. This granular, market-driven approach to evolution signifies a departure from monolithic upgrades, ushering in an era of continuous, targeted innovation.
In 2026, Open RAN has solidified its position as a strategic foundation for modern mobile networks. It has moved past the initial hype to deliver tangible benefits in vendor diversity, operational agility, and innovation enablement. While challenges in talent and ecosystem scaling persist, the momentum generated by pioneering operators and the increasing adoption by incumbents signal a clear trajectory. Open RAN is not just a technology; it is an architectural philosophy that empowers operators with the flexibility, resilience, and speed required to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic digital landscape.
