Kyocera Corporation (Kyoto, Japan; President: Hideo Tanimoto; "Kyocera") today announced that it will establish the "O-RU Alliance" on March 3, 2025, in collaboration with the six telecommunications companies listed below alphabetically:
- Alpha Networks Inc. (Taiwan; Chairman/President/CEO: Wen Fang Huang)
- HFR, Inc. (Korea; CEO: Jong-Min Cheong)
- Microelectronics Technology Inc. (Taiwan; President and CEO: Eugene Wu)
- SOLiD Inc. (Korea; Vice Chairman and CEO: Seung Hee Lee)
- VVDN Technologies Pvt. Ltd (India; CEO: Puneet Agarwal)
- WNC (Wistron NeWeb Corporation) (Taiwan; Director, President and CEO: Jeffrey Gau)
Working with alliance members, Kyocera will open its Central Unit / Distributed Unit platforms to promote the adoption of interoperable and flexible radio networks (Open RAN). The alliance plans to expand its membership gradually in the future.
Background of the O-RU Alliance's Establishment
Current 5G wireless networks are primarily composed of CUs (Central Units), DUs (Distributed Units), and RUs (Radio Units), installed either independently or partially integrated. Since the interfaces connecting these components are not publicly available, only devices from the same supplier or those with compatible interfaces can connect to the infrastructure. While procuring CU/DU/RU equipment from a single supplier may offer network operators certain benefits, it also limits system configuration freedom due to supplier-proprietary specifications and performance constraints.
The O-RAN Alliance plans to address this limitation in response to demand for 5G RANs that allow interconnection between devices from different suppliers. Achieving openness requires extensive collaboration among suppliers and telecom operators, as well as new components, including CUs, DUs, and RUs.
The O-RU Alliance established by Kyocera reflects the company's unwavering commitment to advancing communication technology. The O-RU Alliance will create an ecosystem where companies from different regions and nations can collaborate to build more flexible wireless networks. By providing O-RAN-compliant CU/DU/RU system solutions to telecom operators, the alliance aims to promote Open RAN adoption. This initiative will not only facilitate 5G base station market entry for more suppliers but will also invigorate the telecommunications infrastructure market. Along with the other O-RU Alliance members, Kyocera is committed to advancing communications technology and its related industries, contributing to a better quality of life for people worldwide.
Kyocera and O-RU Alliance's Member Initiatives
1) Interoperability Testing (IOT):
Kyocera will provide O-RAN-compliant CUs and DUs (hereinafter "O-CUs" and "O-DUs") to alliance members for joint interoperability testing.
2) Providing Baseband Components
Kyocera will disclose a reference design for the O-RAN interface processing unit of O-RUs to alliance members, enabling them to enhance interconnectivity with Kyocera's O-CUs/O-DUs.
3) Member Introduction
Kyocera will publicly introduce member suppliers to telecom operators. This enables alliance members to pursue global business opportunities, while telecom operators gain flexibility to select O-RUs from various suppliers, broadening their system configuration options.
Company Profiles:
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Company Name: |
Business Overview/Role: |
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Kyocera Corporation (Japan) |
Develops and supplies a diverse range of products globally, focusing on four main markets: information and communications, automotive-related components, environment & energy, and medical & healthcare products. Kyocera's product offers span materials, components, and devices to equipment, services, and network solutions. |
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Alpha Networks Inc. (Taiwan) |
Designs and manufactures network and communication equipment, including routers, switches, WLAN products, and broadband access devices. Alpha Networks provides OEM/ODM services to support global brands with high-quality, reliable network and communication solutions. |
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HFR, Inc. (South Korea) |
Supplies optical transport systems and mobile fronthaul solutions that are essential for 5G deployment. HFR's solutions are used in cellular coverage systems and mobile networks to improve network efficiency and performance for telecom operators. |
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Microelectronics Technology Inc. (Taiwan) |
Designs and manufactures communication equipment, including VSAT systems, microwave communication devices, RF modules, and 5G RUs. Microelectronics Technology's solutions enhance global communication infrastructure, supporting satellite communications, broadband, wireless networks, and 5G deployments, including Open RAN and traditional networks. |
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SOLiD Inc. (South Korea) |
Specializes in wireless communication infrastructure, offering distributed antenna systems (DAS) and optical transport solutions and RUs designed for O-RAN to enhance interoperability and flexibility in mobile network deployments. SOLiD is focusing on innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the telecommunications industry. |
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VVDN Technologies Pvt. Ltd (India) |
Specializes in 5G telecom solutions, providing end-to-end design, development, testing, and manufacturing of advanced O-RUs, supporting sub-6 and mmWave deployments. With expertise in hardware, RF, FPGA design, signal processing, and thermal optimization to ensure high-performance and scalable solutions. World-class production capabilities, including SMT, PCB assembly, and full-product manufacturing, enable seamless telecom equipment production for global operators, system integrators, and OEMs. |
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WNC (Wistron NeWeb Corporation) (Taiwan) |
Produces wireless communications products and solutions, including Wi-Fi® routers, mobile communication devices, and IoT solutions. WNC's products are used in communication infrastructure for individuals, enterprises, and the public sectors. The company is committed to advancing 5G and IoT technologies to serve global customers. |
Explanation of Terms
- RAN (Radio Access Network): A wireless communications network using radio waves.
- CU (Central Unit): A component of the wireless access network that manages data processing and control functions near the core network in a centralized manner.
- DU (Distributed Unit): A component within the wireless access network alongside the CU to handle wireless signal processing and functions that require real-time operation.
- RU (Radio Unit): A part of the wireless access network that sends and receives wireless signals, directly connecting to antennas and serving as the physical interface for wireless communication.
- O-RU (Open Radio Unit): An RU that complies with O-RAN standards, enabling interoperability between equipment and software from different vendors.
- O-RAN Alliance: An international organization that promotes the open and intelligent evolution of Radio Access Networks (RAN) through the participation of telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, and software developers. It aims to improve the interoperability, flexibility, and efficiency of 5G and other next-generation network deployment.
- O-RAN Specifications: Common specifications developed by the O-RAN Alliance to promote the openness and interoperability of Radio Access Networks (RAN). By adhering to these specifications, companies enable flexible and efficient collaboration between devices from different manufacturers.
- Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®.
- The names "O-RAN ALLIANCE" and "O-RAN," as well as their logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of O-RAN ALLIANCE e.V.
