KDDI Selects Samsung To Deploy Open RAN Powered by Virtualized RAN in Japan

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Samsung Electronics today announced that the company has been selected by KDDI as a main vendor to provide 4G and 5G O-RAN compliant virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) solutions for their Open RAN deployment in Japan. In line with KDDI’s vision to adopt leading-edge network technology, the companies will expand the reach of Open RAN in the coming years.

Starting from 2025, KDDI will expand its Open RAN deployment leveraging the advantages of a fully disaggregated and software-based architecture powered by Samsung vRAN. KDDI’s Open RAN network will feature enhanced capabilities for improved energy efficiency, optimized performance and intelligent automation.

“KDDI has been focused on identifying and preparing for next-generation networks, and we have been conducting numerous technical verification and feasibility studies on Open RAN with industry-leading companies like Samsung,” said Kazuyuki Yoshimura, Chief Technology Officer of KDDI. “Today’s announcement represents KDDI’s dedication to bringing innovative technologies to Japan. We are proud to deliver a cutting-edge and reliable radio access network.”

“With our unwavering innovative spirit, Samsung continuously takes the initiative to develop and adopt the latest mobile technologies. Together with KDDI, we are thrilled to take this significant step and strengthen our presence in Japan,” said Junehee Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Sales & Marketing, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are committed to supporting KDDI’s trailblazing journey toward network excellence by providing best-in-class solutions that exceed their quality standards.”

For this expanded collaboration, Samsung is bringing its comprehensive network solutions ranging from its vRAN 3.0 solution, a full suite of O-RAN compliant radios supporting low- and mid-bands including advanced Massive MIMO radios and third-party radio integration support. It also offers key features of the Samsung CognitiV Networks Operations Suite (NOS), an intelligent solution that automates the life cycle management of large-scale vRAN buildouts. The features streamline the onboarding, deployment and operation processes, enabling KDDI to transform its widespread network efficiently.

Samsung is enriching KDDI’s network deployment by leveraging its robust ecosystem that consists of industry-leading partners and their solutions. The deployment will be carried out in close collaboration with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (servers), Intel (processors) and Red Hat (cloud platform).

KDDI and Samsung have been collaborating on vRAN and Open RAN since 2021. Over the years, the companies have solidified their global leadership in the emerging Open RAN and vRAN space, achieving milestones such as the world’s first commercial 5G Standalone Open RAN site in the Greater Tokyo area, and launching commercial Open RAN sites in Osaka. Samsung’s extensive expertise — derived from real-world rollout experience at scale — underpins this Open RAN deployment.

Since unveiling its fully virtualized 5G RAN in 2020, Samsung has consistently been recognized as the leading Open RAN and vRAN vendor by global analyst firms like Omdia and Dell’Oro.

“Open RAN and vRAN are at the heart of mobile networks innovation and transformation and Samsung has continuously demonstrated its leadership in this space,” said Rémy Pascal, Principal Analyst Mobile infrastructure at Omdia. “These technologies have been thoroughly tested, and KDDI’s Open vRAN expansion powered by Samsung will not only enable KDDI to continue delivering first-rate services to Japanese customers and meet their evolving needs but also build a more efficient, automated and future-ready network.”

Samsung has pioneered the successful delivery of 5G end-to-end solutions, including chipsets, radios and cores. Through ongoing research and development, Samsung drives the industry to advance 5G networks with its market-leading product portfolio, from vRAN 3.0, Open RAN, core to private network solutions and AI-powered automation tools. The company currently provides innovative network solutions to mobile operators that deliver boundless connectivity to hundreds of millions of users worldwide.