05 May 2023

Cellcom and Parallel Wireless outlined the launch of a pilot which builds on an announcement in January that the operator plans to construct a cloud-based standalone (SA) 5G network.

The pilot will enable the deployment of autonomous SA 5G core sites across Israel, with the test scheduled to conclude by the year-end. It includes the use of an end-to-end open RAN platform to test RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) capabilities. RIC is a key element for operators to employ open RAN set-ups compatible with hard- and software from various vendors at a lower cost than single-supplier approaches.

Baruch Navon, president and COO of Parallel Wireless, said that his company’s open RAN software is expected to deliver improved agility, flexibility, resilience and performance across Cellcom’s network.