Telkom Kenya begins Open RAN trials with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks
Telkom Kenya has started the process of trialling Open RAN by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rakuten Symphony and Airspan Networks to run the technology through its paces in Kenya. The collaboration, supported by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. and Japanese governments, aims to accelerate Open RAN adoption in Africa and develop tailored connectivity solutions for the continent’s unique telecommunications landscape.
As part of the initiative, the three companies will establish a joint Open RAN laboratory, where they will develop, test, and optimise Open RAN solutions for deployment in Kenya. The partnership will also include live field trials to validate Open RAN’s performance and ensure seamless integration into Telkom Kenya’s existing network infrastructure. Airspan will provide 4G and 5G radio units while Rakuten will provide an Operating Support System platform, as well as the Open RAN software stack to run and optimise the 4G/5G Open RAN network elements. Telkom will provide the requisite human capital and facilities.
According to Telkom Kenya’s CEO Mugo Kibati, the move underscores the operator’s intent to differentiate itself from competitors by taking an active role in network innovation rather than solely purchasing proprietary RAN technology from traditional vendors.
Commenting on the news Mr Kibati said that “Unlike other operators in the region that purchase RAN technology, Telkom is intent on being involved in the entire process; the development, testing, and consequent deployment of the technology in an open environment.” He added that “Telkom is pleased to collaborate in this consortium of cutting-edge technology leaders in open architecture telecommunications networks. This initiative will enable us to reap the benefits of modern and inevitable technological advances such as AI. This is a significant milestone in positioning Kenya and Africa as a research, development, manufacturing, and testing hub for next-generation technology.”
This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Telkom Kenya, as the operator grapples with significant subscriber losses over the past two years. While Kenya’s mobile market continues to expand, surpassing 68 million total subscriptions and achieving a 132% penetration rate, Telkom Kenya has struggled to keep pace. Since 2023, the operator has lost nearly 40% of its subscribers, shrinking to 1.4 million users and falling further behind its competitors. Market leader Safaricom dominates with 44.67 million subscribers, followed by Airtel Kenya with 19.86 million, while even MVNO Finserve has now edged ahead with just under 1.5 million subscribers.
Telkom’s Open RAN trial is part of a growing global movement toward more cost-effective, flexible network solutions. Open RAN has started gaining traction in emerging markets, where operators need more affordable, vendor-neutral alternatives to expand and modernise their networks. This trend was recently highlighted at Mobile World Congress 2025, where Vietnamese operator VietTel launched its own Open RAN-based services, a strategic move to offer lower-cost solutions to other developing economies, further cementing Open RAN’s role as a disruptive force in telecom infrastructure.
Open RAN has the potential to accelerate network expansion in Kenya, particularly in rural and underserved areas, aligning with the country’s digital transformation goals. If these trials prove successful, Telkom Kenya could position itself as a regional leader in Open RAN adoption, setting a precedent for other East African operators to follow. Beyond strengthening its own network, Telkom could also unlock new revenue opportunities by leveraging its expertise in Open RAN deployment, offering its knowledge and capabilities as a service to other operators in the region looking to adopt the technology.
