AT&T achieved another milestone in its transition to open, programmable radio access networks by completing the first Open RAN call using third-party radios on its commercial network. The demonstration, conducted with Ericsson and 1Finity, validates multivendor interoperability and underscores AT&T’s commitment to accelerating Open RAN industrialization across its nationwide wireless footprint.
The achievement follows the initial Open RAN call completed in August at AT&T Labs, also involving Ericsson and 1Finity. The latest milestone extends that success into AT&T’s live network environment, where 1Finity radios operated with fully commercialized Ericsson software integrated through Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform. The solution provides a foundation for more flexible, scalable RAN deployments and paves the way for a broader ecosystem of interoperable hardware and software suppliers.
AT&T continues to execute its broader network modernization plan, reporting completion of nearly 40% of its radio swap program from Nokia to Ericsson, and deploying mid-band (N77) spectrum across more than 15,000 sites. These enhancements are designed to boost network speed, efficiency, and coverage while supporting the introduction of Open RAN architectures that promise long-term cost savings and innovation.
- AT&T completes first Open RAN call using third-party radios on its commercial network
- Collaboration with Ericsson and 1Finity validates interoperability across vendors
- Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform enables multivendor radio support
- Nearly 40% of AT&T’s radio swap program to Ericsson completed
- Over 15,000 sites upgraded with mid-band (N77) spectrum
“Open RAN is more than a technology shift – it’s a catalyst for innovation and collaboration across the industry,” said Patrik Eriksson, vice president and head of the Mobile System Business Unit at 1Finity. “By proving multivendor interoperability on AT&T’s commercial network, we’re shaping an ecosystem that will accelerate innovation for our customers and the entire industry.”
🌐 Analysis:
AT&T’s Open RAN progress represents a key step toward diversifying vendor ecosystems and reducing long-term dependency on proprietary infrastructure. The live multivendor deployment demonstrates growing maturity in Open RAN management, particularly with Ericsson’s automation platform now supporting non-native radios. With nearly half of its radio network already transitioned to Ericsson and new mid-band spectrum activated nationwide, AT&T is establishing the foundation for more agile, software-defined network evolution—critical as U.S. operators prepare for 5G-Advanced and future 6G architectures.
