Verizon infuses AI in the network, accelerates Open RAN innovation with multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller deployment
Verizon (VZ) has successfully implemented a multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) in its commercial network, partnering with Samsung and Qualcomm. This deployment represents a significant advancement in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology and AI integration.
The implementation combines Samsung's AI-powered Energy Saving Manager with Qualcomm Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite's RIC to enhance network efficiency. The system achieved 15% average energy savings, with maximum savings of 35% per sector during low traffic periods.
The RIC, a software-based component, uses AI and automation to optimize network performance based on real-time conditions. It manages rApps that leverage RAN data to improve coverage, capacity, efficiency, and service quality. This open platform approach marks a shift from traditional vendor-specific solutions, enabling more flexible and scalable network deployment.
Verizon (VZ) ha implementato con successo un Controller Intelligente RAN multi-fornitore (RIC) nella sua rete commerciale, collaborando con Samsung e Qualcomm. Questo dispiegamento rappresenta un importante progresso nella tecnologia Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) e nell'integrazione dell'AI.
L'implementazione combina il Manager di Risparmio Energetico alimentato dall'AI di Samsung con il RIC della Suite di Automazione RAN Dragonwing di Qualcomm per migliorare l'efficienza della rete. Il sistema ha raggiunto un risparmio energetico medio del 15%, con risparmi massimi del 35% per settore durante i periodi di bassa affluenza.
Il RIC, un componente software, utilizza l'AI e l'automazione per ottimizzare le prestazioni della rete in base alle condizioni in tempo reale. Gestisce rApps che sfruttano i dati RAN per migliorare la copertura, la capacità, l'efficienza e la qualità del servizio. Questo approccio a piattaforma aperta segna un cambiamento rispetto alle soluzioni tradizionali specifiche per fornitore, consentendo un dispiegamento della rete più flessibile e scalabile.
Verizon (VZ) ha implementado con éxito un Controlador Inteligente RAN de múltiples proveedores (RIC) en su red comercial, asociándose con Samsung y Qualcomm. Este despliegue representa un avance significativo en la tecnología de Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) y la integración de la IA.
La implementación combina el Administrador de Ahorro de Energía impulsado por IA de Samsung con el RIC de la Suite de Automatización RAN Dragonwing de Qualcomm para mejorar la eficiencia de la red. El sistema logró un ahorro energético promedio del 15%, con ahorros máximos del 35% por sector durante períodos de bajo tráfico.
El RIC, un componente basado en software, utiliza IA y automatización para optimizar el rendimiento de la red según las condiciones en tiempo real. Gestiona rApps que aprovechan los datos RAN para mejorar la cobertura, la capacidad, la eficiencia y la calidad del servicio. Este enfoque de plataforma abierta marca un cambio respecto a las soluciones tradicionales específicas de proveedores, permitiendo un despliegue de red más flexible y escalable.
버라이즌 (VZ)는 삼성과 퀄컴과 협력하여 상업 네트워크에 다중 공급업체 RAN 지능형 컨트롤러(RIC)를 성공적으로 구현했습니다. 이 배치는 Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) 기술 및 AI 통합에서 중요한 발전을 나타냅니다.
이 구현은 삼성의 AI 기반 에너지 절약 관리자를 퀄컴의 드래곤윙 RAN 자동화 스위트의 RIC와 결합하여 네트워크 효율성을 향상시킵니다. 이 시스템은 평균 15%의 에너지 절약을 달성했으며, 저트래픽 기간 동안 섹터당 최대 35%의 절약을 기록했습니다.
RIC는 소프트웨어 기반 구성 요소로, AI와 자동화를 사용하여 실시간 조건에 따라 네트워크 성능을 최적화합니다. 이는 RAN 데이터를 활용하여 커버리지, 용량, 효율성 및 서비스 품질을 개선하는 rApps를 관리합니다. 이러한 개방형 플랫폼 접근 방식은 전통적인 공급업체 특정 솔루션에서의 전환을 의미하며, 더 유연하고 확장 가능한 네트워크 배치를 가능하게 합니다.
Verizon (VZ) a réussi à mettre en œuvre un Contrôleur Intelligent RAN multi-fournisseurs (RIC) dans son réseau commercial, en partenariat avec Samsung et Qualcomm. Ce déploiement représente une avancée significative dans la technologie Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) et l'intégration de l'IA.
L'implémentation combine le Gestionnaire d'Économie d'Énergie alimenté par l'IA de Samsung avec le RIC de la Suite d'Automatisation RAN Dragonwing de Qualcomm pour améliorer l'efficacité du réseau. Le système a atteint une économie d'énergie moyenne de 15%, avec des économies maximales de 35% par secteur pendant les périodes de faible trafic.
Le RIC, un composant basé sur logiciel, utilise l'IA et l'automatisation pour optimiser les performances du réseau en fonction des conditions en temps réel. Il gère des rApps qui exploitent les données RAN pour améliorer la couverture, la capacité, l'efficacité et la qualité du service. Cette approche de plateforme ouverte marque un changement par rapport aux solutions traditionnelles spécifiques aux fournisseurs, permettant un déploiement de réseau plus flexible et évolutif.
Verizon (VZ) hat erfolgreich einen Multi-Provider RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) in seinem kommerziellen Netzwerk implementiert und arbeitet dabei mit Samsung und Qualcomm zusammen. Diese Bereitstellung stellt einen bedeutenden Fortschritt in der Technologie des Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) und der AI-Integration dar.
Die Implementierung kombiniert den AI-gestützten Energiesparmanager von Samsung mit dem RIC der Qualcomm Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite, um die Netzwerkeffizienz zu steigern. Das System erzielte 15% durchschnittliche Energieeinsparungen, mit maximalen Einsparungen von 35% pro Sektor während Zeiten mit geringem Verkehr.
Der RIC, ein softwarebasiertes Element, nutzt AI und Automatisierung, um die Netzwerkleistung basierend auf Echtzeitbedingungen zu optimieren. Er verwaltet rApps, die RAN-Daten nutzen, um die Abdeckung, Kapazität, Effizienz und Servicequalität zu verbessern. Dieser offene Plattformansatz markiert einen Wechsel von traditionellen, anbieter-spezifischen Lösungen und ermöglicht eine flexiblere und skalierbare Netzwerkinstallation.
- Successfully deployed multi-vendor RIC functionality in commercial network
- Achieved 15% average energy savings, up to 35% per sector
- Enhanced network efficiency through AI integration
- Expanded supplier diversity and innovation potential
- Energy savings to low traffic periods only
Insights
Verizon's Multi-Vendor RIC Deployment: A Strategic Network Evolution with Financial Implications
Verizon's successful deployment of multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) functionality represents more than just a technical milestone—it signals a fundamental shift in how the carrier manages its network infrastructure. By integrating Samsung's AI-powered Energy Saving Manager with Qualcomm's RAN Automation Suite, Verizon is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry's movement toward disaggregated, software-defined networks.
The reported 15-35% energy savings during low traffic periods is particularly significant when contextualized within Verizon's operational expenditure. Network power consumption typically accounts for 5-10% of a telecom's operating costs, potentially translating to annual savings in the tens of millions across Verizon's vast infrastructure footprint. This efficiency gain addresses two strategic imperatives simultaneously: cost control and sustainability commitments.
What makes this development particularly noteworthy is how it accelerates Verizon's transition from vendor lock-in to a more flexible, multi-vendor ecosystem. Traditional RAN deployments required carriers to purchase integrated hardware-software solutions from a single vendor (typically Ericsson, Nokia, or Samsung). The O-RAN approach enables Verizon to mix-and-match components, potentially reducing CAPEX by 20-30% while creating leverage in vendor negotiations.
The timing aligns with Verizon's broader network transformation strategy as they complete their initial C-band deployment and look toward optimizing their $45+ billion spectrum investment. By implementing AI-driven automation at this juncture, they're maximizing the efficiency of their existing infrastructure before the next major investment cycle.
For investors, three key implications emerge: First, this moves Verizon toward a more software-centric network model with improved OPEX characteristics. Second, it diversifies vendor relationships, reducing supply chain risks and improving negotiating leverage. Third, it positions Verizon to more rapidly implement future AI innovations across their network without costly hardware replacements.
While the immediate financial impact may be modest relative to Verizon's $134.8 billion annual revenue, the long-term strategic value lies in establishing the architectural foundation for a more agile, cost-efficient network that can adapt to changing market demands without the traditional constraints of proprietary systems. This could prove important as competition intensifies in both consumer and enterprise segments.
Industry collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of technology and enhances network efficiency and sustainability
NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon, in collaboration with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., has successfully deployed multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) functionality in its commercial network. This deployment marks a significant advancement in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology and demonstrates yet another way Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in Verizon’s network to drive operational efficiency and ensure Verizon customers are always connected to the very best network experience. In this first multi-vendor deployment, Verizon integrated Samsung's AI-powered Energy Saving Manager (AI-ESM) with Qualcomm Dragonwing™ RAN Automation Suite’s RIC to integrate energy efficiency into its network.
“Verizon has been driving innovation in and adoption of O-RAN throughout the industry because we believe an open and standardized network drives more competition, more innovation, and increased supplier diversity,” said Adam Koeppe, Senior Vice President of Network Technology, Strategy, and Planning at Verizon. “Expanding on our industry-leading success with deploying O-RAN compliant radios and distributed units throughout our network, the introduction of the RAN Intelligent Controller will allow for greater flexibility and control over network operations.”
What is a RAN Intelligent Controller enabled by O-RAN
The RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) is a software-based component within a mobile network's Radio Access Network (RAN) that uses artificial intelligence and automation to optimize network performance by making decisions based on network conditions. It's a key part of the Open RAN architecture, enabling the integration of third-party applications to enhance network capabilities.
“As the world moves toward a more interconnected future with 5G and beyond, the expectation for us is to deliver seamless, high-quality network experiences while managing the complexities of modern mobile networks,” continued Koeppe. “RAN Intelligent Control is emerging as a key enabler of efficient, adaptive, and scalable network operations and fits within our growing portfolio of automation and orchestration capabilities on the network.”
The RIC controls applications that manage numerous functions on the network called rApps that leverage data and insights from the RAN to improve various aspects of mobile communication, such as coverage, capacity, efficiency and service quality. Historically, automation platforms have been developed and run by the same vendors providing proprietary hardware and software in a closed ecosystem. However, with the evolution of the RAN Intelligent Controller, they are now being developed independently of specific vendors and deployed on virtualized, open platforms. Verizon can now efficiently manage intelligent solutions and applications like rApps utilizing open interfaces and standardized protocols from standards bodies such as 3GPP and the O-RAN Alliance, allowing for more flexible and scalable network deployment and management.
Enhancing Network Performance with AI-Powered Solutions
In this first multi-vendor deployment, Verizon integrated Samsung's AI-powered Energy Saving Manager (AI-ESM) with Qualcomm® Dragonwing RAN Intelligent Controller to integrate energy efficiency in its commercial network. The joint work demonstrated the operation of a multi-vendor ecosystem and resulted in energy savings.
- Samsung’s AI-ESM enables Verizon to maximize network energy efficiency and facilitates a more sustainable approach without compromising network performance and user experience. It identifies various site environments, learns traffic patterns by location and time of day, and evaluates the extent of impact on network performance—helping to find the optimal threshold value.
This solution automatically switches off cell or transmission paths within a cell site during periods of low traffic (when traffic load is below threshold value) to conserve power, and turns them back on when data traffic increases again (when traffic load reaches threshold value). By applying this, Verizon was able to achieve an energy savings gain of15% on average, with a maximum of35% per sector during low traffic periods in a variety of field tests.
- The Qualcomm Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite builds programmability to enable a vendor-neutral rApp marketplace. The RAN Automation Suite DML (Data Management Layer) provides applications with RAN AI Services, including HNN (Hybrid Neural Network) and DNN (Deep Neural Network) technology, for AI-Driven RAN Management.
“We believe that virtualization is the key to realizing the true benefits of AI. Samsung's software-based vRAN provides the most optimal foundation to apply and utilize AI technology,” said Magnus Ojert, Senior Vice President & Head of US Networks Business, Samsung Electronics America. “Leveraging the large-scale vRAN network that Verizon and Samsung have built together, we will continue to maintain our competitive edge in the AI era, advancing AI-powered solutions to create a positive impact on the environment around the world.”
"We are thrilled to extend our longstanding relationship with Verizon through this groundbreaking multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller deployment, leveraging the Qualcomm Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite,” said Ofir Zemer, VP, Product Management, Qualcomm Israel Ltd. “By enabling a vendor-neutral rApp marketplace, empowered by a set of RAN AI services, we are jointly fostering a diverse ecosystem and supporting a path of democratizing RAN AI.”
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Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of
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FAQ
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