Learn about O-RAN publication train process enabling more efficient specification of new interfaces and functions.

Since March 2026, O-RAN Work Groups and Focus Groups published 59 technical documents, bringing the total to 157 unique titles. 10 documents represent new titles.

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Mature O-RAN specifications allow implementation of many advanced features in existing 4G-5G Radio Access Networks.

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6G is not expected to be another disruptive “shiny new box.” It must evolve pragmatically from 5G - preserving investments while advancing AI-native capabilities, scalable interfaces and software-driven innovation.

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Learn about O-RAN ALLIANCE in our presentation.

This white paper explores advanced strategies to enhance energy efficiency in O-RAN based networks, building on existing techniques such as Cell and Carrier Shutdown and RF Channel Reconfiguration. It introduces innovative approaches for optimizing power consumption in key network elements, including Radio Units (O-RU) through dynamic voltage adaptation and renewable energy integration, and O-Cloud environments via intelligent workload management and energy-efficient Cloud Network Functions. Aligned with 3GPP Release-18 features like Discontinuous Transmission/Reception (DTX/DRX) and spatial power-saving methods, these strategies aim to substantially reduce energy consumption while maintaining high performance and service quality.

Central to these strategies are the intelligent capabilities of the O-RAN framework, particularly the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), Non-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Non-RT RIC), and Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC). Working in harmony, the SMO orchestrates resources across the network, the Non-RT RIC leverages rApps to develop AI/ML-driven long-term optimization policies, and the Near-RT RIC employs xApps to execute near real-time network adjustments. Together, these components provide a cohesive, intelligent framework that drives the dynamic and effective implementation of the energy-saving solutions detailed in this paper, positioning O-RAN as a leader in sustainable and efficient network operations.

This white paper presents O-RAN ALLIANCE's interests in industrial engagement to show the benefits of O-RAN architecture in several vertical industries. It starts with brief introduction of O-RAN Architecture, followed by an analysis of vertical industry use cases and requirements. Opportunities and benefits of O-RAN Architecture corresponding to each use case are discussed in the subsequent section. O-RAN key solutions, field trials and deployments are presented, followed by O-RAN potential enhancement features to further accommodate vertical demands. This white paper concludes with key findings and future visions toward better vertical industry O-RAN network deployment.‍

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It is important that 5G and next-G networks providing critical infrastructure and mission critical use cases are built with a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) to protect against external and internal threats. ZTA is the evolution of the zero trust concept to a concrete plan based upon multi-layered security controls that provide confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and authorization protections from internal and external threats. The O-RAN ALLIANCE is committed to pursue a ZTA through stages of a maturity model that achieve a strong security posture to protect against evolving threats.

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Read the announcement here.

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Vodafone has made significant progress six months into its five-year radio access network (RAN) investment programme to improve connectivity for its 355 million customers across Europe and Africa.

Read the full announcement here.

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TELUS deploys Samsung's AI-powered RIC for network transformation, driving greater intelligence and automation across its vRAN and O-RAN network

Read the full press release here.

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The USA Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded more than $273 million as part of the first batch of grants from the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund’s second Notice of Funding Opportunity. This batch of awards will support projects focused on open radio unit hardware commercialization.

Read the full press release here.

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