KDDI, one of Japan’s leading telecommunications service providers, has taken a significant step in its Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) strategy by selecting Samsung’s vRAN 3.0 solution, powered by 4th Generation Intel Xeon processors with Intel vRAN Boost. This ambitious deployment, set to solidify starting in 2025, will position KDDI at the forefront of telecommunications in Japan, providing an open, virtualized, and optimized network architecture to meet the growing demands for connectivity, performance, and energy efficiency.
The collaboration between KDDI and Samsung, dating back to 2021, has enabled both companies to lead the advancement of Open RAN technology, achieving milestones such as the first commercial 5G Standalone Open RAN network in Tokyo and commercial sites in Osaka. Now, with Intel’s support, the deployment of vRAN 3.0 promises to maximize network efficiency through a disaggregated, software-based architecture that enhances flexibility and scalability, allowing KDDI to expand its 4G and 5G coverage across the country.
Innovation and Performance with Cutting-Edge Technology
Samsung’s vRAN 3.0 solution, integrated with the latest generation Intel Xeon processors and Intel vRAN Boost technology, enables efficient resource use by supporting a greater number of cells with the same number of servers. This translates to significant energy savings and increased profitability for KDDI while providing users with superior connectivity.
According to Cristina Rodríguez, Vice President of Comms Solutions Group at Intel, KDDI’s deployment represents a notable advancement in the virtualization of radio access networks (RAN). “Intel’s virtualized RAN with vRAN Boost is a key component in meeting the performance, security, and scalability demands of modern operators,” she stated. Samsung’s solution also incorporates its Samsung CognitiV Networks Operations Suite (NOS), designed to automate the lifecycle of large-scale vRAN deployments, thereby optimizing network implementation and operational processes.
A Future-Ready Network with Open RAN and Sustainability
KDDI’s deployment will utilize advanced technologies such as Samsung’s Massive MIMO radios and Open RAN-compatible RAN Compute solutions. These tools will enable KDDI to enhance performance and energy efficiency while maintaining the network’s capacity to handle growing traffic, particularly in densely populated areas. The Massive MIMO TDD (Time Division Duplex) solution is another key component, as it allows for simultaneous data transmission across multiple spatial channels, optimizing user experience on the 5G network.
The partnership between KDDI and Samsung focuses not only on access technology but also on network densification through the addition of new nodes and sites. This process ensures that the network can meet the rising demand for connectivity in urban, rural, and large event areas while maintaining optimal coverage and network capacity.
Collaboration with Top Partners for a Robust Network
To further strengthen the infrastructure, the project will be developed in collaboration with strategic allies, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Intel, and Red Hat, who will provide servers, processors, and cloud platforms, respectively. This synergy will allow KDDI to build a more robust and efficient network that meets today’s connectivity needs while preparing for future challenges.
Kazuyuki Yoshimura, CTO of KDDI, expressed satisfaction with the partnership: “We have been conducting numerous feasibility tests with leading companies such as Samsung to bring next-generation networks to Japan. This announcement reflects our commitment to introducing innovative technologies to the Japanese market, offering a reliable and cutting-edge network.”
From Samsung, Junehee Lee, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Networks, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in solidifying the company’s presence in Japan. “We are excited to strengthen our alliance with KDDI and provide solutions that meet the quality standards expected by their users,” Lee stated.
An Ecosystem Driving Mobile Network Transformation
The partnership between KDDI, Samsung, and Intel aims not only to develop an efficient, high-performance network but also represents a milestone toward a more innovative and transformative mobile network ecosystem. Rémy Pascal, Principal Analyst of Mobile Infrastructure at Omdia, highlighted that “KDDI’s expansion of Open RAN and vRAN will not only meet the needs of Japanese users but also provide a more efficient, future-ready network.”
Samsung’s expertise in implementing end-to-end 5G solutions—ranging from chipsets to networks and cores—supports the project and ensures a next-generation network capable of meeting the demands of the digital age. The company continues to lead the Open RAN and vRAN market, solidifying its position with innovations in AI-driven automation and a robust product portfolio that includes vRAN 3.0 and private network solutions.
With this ambitious deployment, KDDI and Samsung seek to transform connectivity in Japan, offering users an advanced and efficient mobile network that, in addition to meeting their current needs, is designed to evolve alongside the telecommunications market in the coming years.