Japan and Britain will cooperate in promoting a new communications network that does not rely on specific companies’ infrastructure in the wake of China’s increasing presence in the field, sources familiar with the case said.
By using Open RAN, or Open Radio Access Network, which has industry-wide standards that enable its interoperability between multiple vendors’ equipment for cellular wireless networks, the two countries aim to avoid a situation in which Huawei Technologies Co and other Chinese players control the flow of information.
According to the sources, Japanese and British companies are expected to begin technology sharing in 2023. Major Japanese technology firms working to implement Open RAN include NEC Corp and major mobile carrier NTT Docomo Inc.
Numerous instances in which Huawei Technologies and other foreign companies have complete control of important infrastructure including mobile phone base stations have become an economic security issue for Japan and other countries.
Open RAN technology also reduces the risks of cuts to the global supply chain, and is expected to lead to reduced costs for communication services via greater competition caused by weakening the hold of a few major companies.
Japan has already entered similar partnerships with Quad members the United States, Australia and India in May, and with Singapore in July.
This report’s information was first seen on JAPANTODAY; to read more, click this link.
