Digital Catapult launches UK Open RAN Energy Efficiency Programme

SONIC Labs, a collaboration between UK based innovation agency Digital Catapult and British telecom regulator OFCOM, is launching its first Technology Access Programme. The project will see leading organisations collaborate to address energy efficiency challenges in Open RAN operations. RAN accounts for between 1% and 1.5% of global energy consumption and with soaring energy prices eating into their decreasing margins, mobile network operators are increasingly looking at Open RAN solutions to both address this challenge and achieve their aims of reaching net zero.

Over an eight month period, the programme will see five teams develop, build, and implement new solutions to make the global Open RAN market more sustainable. Solutions will be demonstrated at a showcase event planned for early 2025 to government and industry. 

“Energy efficiency continues to be an area of significant focus for the successful development and adoption of open networks around the world” explained Dritan Kaleshi, Director of 5G Technology at Digital Catapult, and the SONIC Labs programme. “Given this challenge, the SONIC Labs Technology Access Programme will give pioneering organisations the opportunity to work collaboratively with Digital Catapult to build, implement and test tangible solutions to help accelerate the adoption of Open RAN technology in the UK.”

Net AI, the University of York School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, and zTouch Networks will explore how applied artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning solutions can enhance the performance and resource usage of the radio network used in Open RAN by optimising the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC). 

G REIGNS and JET Connectivity will benchmark and optimise the energy consumption of the CPU server cores used by the DU and CU to provide energy efficient solutions for MNOs and the private network provider community. The goal of this work is to enhance scalability, improve service delivery and reduce operational expenses.

Chris Bryant, the UK’s Telecom Minister, noted that “not only will this slash energy use across digital networks such as 5G, but it will also save money for network operators and provide a more competitive service to consumers.”

About the companies

G REIGNS

G REIGNS is a subsidiary of HTC Corporation and focuses on private 5G network solutions using 5G O-RAN SA architecture, and is devoted to providing; optimised vRAN software solutions, all-in-one standard portable turnkey solutions, and project-based scalable enterprise solutions, across the world. For more information visit reignnet.com

JET Connectivity

JET Connectivity is building high-value and resilient 5G and data networks for offshore communications. We have deployed world-first capabilities, addressing needs not currently met by other communications setups, with a user-centric, seamless connectivity approach. Our solution enables offshore windfarms to reduce reliance on archaic VHF and TETRA radios for communications, moving past the current state-of-play, delivering faster, cheaper, robust and sustainable connectivity, enabling end-users to maximise profitability and longevity of offshore assets. For more information, visit https://jet-eng.co.uk/ 

Net AI

We empower telcos to unlock the value of intelligent networks using AI. In an era marked by rising energy costs, climate change, and an insatiable demand for uninterrupted, seamless connectivity, we believe that AI is our greatest ally. We are a founding team of professors and super talented developers who have built the most accurate forecasting software in the world. Our mission is to assist networks to upgrade and transition into a hyper efficient intelligent infrastructure fit for the future. For more information, visit https://netai.tech/ 

University of York

The University of York exists as a University for Public Good. Our founding values of excellence, equality and opportunity for all are as true today as they were when we opened our doors in 1963. As a member of the Russell Group, our thriving research and innovation culture is at the forefront of new knowledge and understanding. Our research reflects our extraordinary and diverse community and partnerships. From a spark of curiosity, we explore the unknown and open up new ideas and opportunities for all. For more information, visit https://www.york.ac.uk/ 

zTouch Networks

zTouch Networks has created a transformative AI-based management platform for the Open RAN cellular industry through its autonomous network operating system, zTouch.OS. zTouch.OS simplifies and streamlines how Open RAN networks are deployed, monitored, and controlled using intent-based orchestration, automation and AI-based control. For more information visit ztouchnet.com