Veon has announced it has paired with Airspan Networks to partner on Open RAN and air-to-land network solutions for Veon's Ukrainian telco Kyivstar.
It has signed a Memorandum-of-Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the development, deployment, and testing of network solutions, as well as looking at ways of enhancing infrastructure resilience in extreme conditions.
“Veon and Kyivstar have committed to investing $1 billion to rebuild Ukraine’s digital infrastructure over 2023-2027. This includes upgrading and expanding our mobile network and equipping it with most advanced capabilities to keep Ukraine connected such as Open RAN, direct-to-cell satellite connectivity, and air-to-land solutions,” said Veon Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu.
Airspan has deployed Open RAN for 4G and 5G in Japan and has a vast geographical footprint across the US.
“Reliable connectivity is critical for Ukraine’s resilience and rebuilding. Airspan brings extensive expertise having built the largest Open RAN networks globally," said Glenn Laxdal, CEO at Airspan.
Kyivstar announced plans with Japanese carrier Rakuten Mobile last month to carry out Open RAN testing
The Japanese operator said the two companies will begin in-country laboratory testing of the technology. Kyivstar signed an Open RAN partnership with Rakuten last year for the deployment of Rakuten Symphony's Open RAN technology within its network.
Last year, Veon promised to increase its investment in the carrier to $1 billion for the period to 2027.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Kyivstar has built 1,895 new LTE base stations and upgraded about 13,200 existing base stations to 4G.
The telco has added more than 4,100 residential areas to 4G coverage, noting that 95 percent of the population of territories controlled by Ukraine has access to 4G services on Kyivstar's network.
By the end of 2026, Kyivstar wants to cover 98 percent of the population with 4G coverage.
Veon last week confirmed plans to list Kyivstar on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
Florida-based Airspan was originally a product division of DSC Communications but broke away in the late 1990s. The company confirmed the acquisition of Jabil's Open RAN radio portfolio earlier this month.
