The test call was conducted on the Intel Xeon 6 SoC, optimized for vRAN software, capable of supporting intensive workloads, AI applications, and services across 2G, 4G, and 5G networks on a single high-performance server. This simplified configuration will allow Vodafone to manage fewer systems and less hardware, with performance equal to or better than traditional baseband RAN solutions, reducing costs and energy consumption, and providing a more flexible foundation for introducing AI across its network. This milestone was achieved in partnership with ecosystem partners such as Dell Technologies (server) and Wind River (cloud platform), and will be commercially deployed in 2026.
The announcement follows the selection of Samsung as Vodafone's key strategic partner for the large-scale deployment of Open RAN in Europe. The two companies implemented their first Open RAN trial site in Germany last year and have been expanding the technology to additional commercial sites. Later this year, the Hanseatic City of Wismar, in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, will become the first Vodafone mobile network city in Germany fully equipped with Open RAN.
With network performance that matches or surpasses that of traditional hardware-based solutions, Vodafone's Open RAN rollout in Germany is progressing to cover wider regions of the country gradually, driven by the rapid integration of the latest processor advancements.
Samsung and Vodafone have strengthened their collaboration on open architecture-based networks by integrating advanced processors and incorporating AI-powered automation into commercial networks. By fostering an open ecosystem, Open RAN accelerates the delivery of high-performance, energy-efficient connectivity, enabling Vodafone to quickly introduce innovative services tailored to evolving customer demands.
“Vodafone is focused on delivering the best possible customer experience by building a future-proof network,” said Marco Zangani, Vodafone’s Director of Network Strategy and Architecture. “The trial with Samsung, along with our open network architecture implementation, supports this strategy, enabling us to introduce new 5G-Advanced services while improving energy efficiency and optimizing operations through automation and AI from the cell site to the edge and core of the network.”.
Samsung's vRAN solution offers the flexibility to support the latest processing technologies as they reach the market, ensuring operators stay ahead of the innovation cycle. Operators can efficiently manage network resources and utilize unused computing capacity to host and run AI and edge applications directly on their existing telco infrastructure, closer to where data is generated and used.
“This advancement with Vodafone demonstrates how a software-based, cloud-native approach enables networks to be more efficient, more adaptable, and future-proof,” said Everth Flores, Vice President and Head of Samsung Networks Europe. “By moving toward more flexible networks, we are not only facilitating the immediate adoption of AI, but also laying the essential foundation for a 6G-ready, AI-native infrastructure.”.
To efficiently manage large-scale software-defined networks, Samsung and Vodafone are taking a smarter approach to automation using Samsung CognitiV Network Operations Suite (NOS), an AI-powered automation solution that enables one-click network deployment and simpler upgrades.
Samsung Networks has pioneered the delivery of end-to-end 5G solutions, including chipsets, radios, and core networks. Through continuous research and development, Samsung is driving the advancement of 5G networks and paving the way for 6G and beyond, with a leading portfolio encompassing dedicated RAN, vRAN, Open RAN, AI-RAN, core networks, private network solutions, and AI-powered automation tools.
