Join CW for an afternoon lecture from Richard Mackenzie, Distinguished Engineer in Wireless Networks at BT’s Applied Research, followed by a panel session with additional panellists;
- Ruth Brown, Principal Analyst, Heavy Reading
- Dean Bubley, Director, Disruptive Analysis Ltd. Network Technology & Futures Analyst / Consultant
- and Nick Johnson, Head of UKTIN.
“Open RAN” is one of the major trends in the mobile industry. To some it is the only way for 5G and beyond to achieve the flexibility and performance that we need; to others it is adding unnecessary complication that can lead to inefficiency and sub-optimal performance….. and then there are polarising views on whether it will reduce or increase costs. One of the other aspects of Open RAN is the creation of a more diverse ecosystem, and this has received a lot of encouragement from governments.
While there are might be strategic reasons for such polarised views, a significant part of the problem is simply the ambiguity of the term “Open RAN”. This talk will highlight the key aspects of Open RAN, weighing up the “Good” and the “Bad” sides of Open RAN. As well as clarifying what Open RAN can mean, he will also show the progress made so far, what initiatives are currently driving this forward, and what are the remaining challenges. BT’s Applied Research are involved in a number of Open RAN activities and Richard will provide some first-hand insight from the testbed at BT Labs, where they have numerous Open RAN components from a variety of hardware and software providers, proving the commercial potential of Open RAN solutions.
While some aspects of Open RAN may happen, there are other aspects that are sure to happen. Open RAN is the marmite of mobile telecoms; this session should leave you better informed, so you can decide for yourself what aspects of Open RAN you’d spread on your toast!
This in-person event is taking place at the historical Downing College, Cambridge and will provide delegates with ample opportunities to network with fellow attendees to explore the themes of this event.
Following this event all delegates are invited to join the CW Founders' Dinner drinks reception, which is being held in the same location. The Founders' Dinner is an invitation-only event and offers business networking opportunities for Founder member organisations within the CW network.
Employees of CW member organisations can attend this event for free. You will need to be logged into your CW account to access your free ticket – log in (or reset your password here)
Tickets for non-members are £30 plus VAT. CW membership may be more cost effective for your organisation – find out more about CW membership benefits.
You can follow @CambWireless on Twitter and tweet about this event using #CWLecture.