The test call was made on the Intel Xeon 6 SoC optimised 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 streamlined configuration paves the way for Vodafone to manage fewer systems and less hardware that perform on par or better than traditional RAN baseband solutions, while reducing costs, energy consumption and providing a more flexible foundation to introduce AI throughout its network. This milestone was achieved in tandem with ecosystem partners, Dell Technologies (server) and Wind River (cloud platform) and will be commercially deployed during 2026.

The announcement builds on the selection of Samsung as a key strategic partner for Vodafone’s deployment of Open RAN at scale across Europe. Together, the companies deployed their first Open RAN test site in Germany last year and have been extending the technology to additional commercial sites. Later this year, the Hanseatic city of Wismar in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is set to become the first city in the Vodafone mobile network in Germany to be fully equipped with Open RAN. With network performance matching or exceeding that of traditional hardware-based solutions, Vodafone’s Open RAN deployment in Germany is on track to cover broader regions in the country in a phased approach, driven by the rapid integration of the latest processor advancements.

Samsung and Vodafone have continued to strengthen their network collaboration based on open architecture 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 while enabling Vodafone to rapidly introduce innovative services that seamlessly adapt to evolving customer demands.

“Vodafone is focused on delivering the best possible customer experience by building a future-ready network,” said Marco Zangani, Director of Network Strategy and Architecture, Vodafone. “The test conducted with Samsung, alongside our implementation of open network architecture, supports this strategy, enabling us to introduce new 5G-Advanced services while enhancing energy efficiency and streamlining operations through automation and AI from the cell site to the edge of the network and in the core.”

Samsung’s vRAN offers the flexibility to support the latest processing technologies as they come to market, ensuring operators remain ahead of the industry’s rapid innovation cycle. Operators can efficiently manage network resources and apply unused computing capacity to host and run AI and edge applications directly on their existing telco infrastructure, closer to where the data is generated and used. Such versatility enables seamless processing power management, and enhances responsiveness, while also paving the way for next-generation customer experiences that range from emerging devices to more dynamic, latency-sensitive applications.

“This breakthrough with Vodafone shows how a software, cloud-native approach empowers networks to become more efficient, more adaptable and ready for what’s next,” said Everth Flores, Vice President and Head of Samsung Networks Europe. “By advancing toward more flexible networks, we are not only facilitating immediate AI adoption but also laying the essential groundwork for an AI-native, 6G-ready infrastructure. We are proud to continue our momentum with Vodafone, as we expand and modernise connectivity in markets across Europe.”

To efficiently manage software-driven networks at scale, Samsung and Vodafone are taking a more intelligent approach to automation, made possible by Samsung CognitiV Network Operations Suite (NOS). This AI-powered automation solution is the ideal fit for Vodafone’s large-scale Open RAN deployment and AI transformation across Europe, by enabling one-click network deployment and easier upgrades.

Samsung Networks has pioneered the successful delivery of 5G end-to-end solutions, including chipsets, radios and cores. Through ongoing research and development, Samsung is driving the industry to advance 5G networks and paving the way for 6G and beyond with its market-leading product portfolio, from purpose-built RAN, vRAN, Open RAN, AI-RAN and core to private network solutions and AI-powered automation tools and applications. The company currently provides innovative network solutions to mobile operators that deliver boundless connectivity to hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

[1] ©Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

For this collaboration, Samsung will supply its commercial vRAN solutions and O-RAN compliant radios, covering both low-band and mid-band spectrum. The company’s fully-virtualised RAN is software-based and runs on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers, offering features and performance that are equivalent to traditional hardware-based equipment. Using a cloud-native and container-based architecture, Samsung’s vRAN enables more flexible deployments and efficiency in network management for mobile operators.

Among the key benefits of the revolutionary architecture is its automation capabilities, which simplify end-to-end network management. With Samsung’s vRAN, operators can quickly meet the evolving demands of new and existing services with minimal impact on deployment. Samsung will also deliver to Vodafone UK its market leading O-RAN compliant 5G radios, including the latest Massive MIMO radios.

“Vodafone is committed to leading the next wave of digital transformation across Europe, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity for all,” said Johan Wibergh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone. “Open RAN, built on strong partnerships, is key to realising this ambition. Samsung’s innovative solutions and expertise are part of the foundation that is creating this network of the future.”

This collaboration with Vodafone marks a first for Samsung, as the company brings its cloud native virtualised RAN technology to a leading operator’s network in Europe. As acknowledged by many in the industry, Virtualised RAN and O-RAN technologies will be important to helping evolve network architectures to power the next generation of 5G applications and services. To this end, Samsung has been continuously leading in vRAN innovation, most recently showing the capability to support the multi-gigabit speeds of Massive MIMO radios on COTS servers (Link).

“We are proud that this collaboration with Vodafone—one of the premier carriers in the world—will be the first scaled deployment of our pioneering 5G technologies in Europe, including vRAN and O-RAN,” said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, President and Head of Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “This is a major step forward, as more operators are transitioning into new RAN technologies to prioritise user experience and efficiency. We look forward to continue leading the way in 5G innovation to meet our customer’s highest standards of performance, functionality and reliability.”

Samsung has pioneered the successful delivery of 5G end-to-end solutions including chipsets, radios, and core. Through ongoing research and development, Samsung drives the industry to advance 5G networks with its market-leading product portfolio from fully virtualised RAN and Core to private network solutions and AI-powered automation tools. The company is currently providing network solutions to mobile operators that deliver connectivity to hundreds of millions of users around the world.

About Vodafone

Vodafone is a leading telecommunications company in Europe and Africa. We are the largest mobile and fixed network operator in Europe and a leading global IoT connectivity provider. Our M-Pesa technology platform in Africa enables over 48m people to benefit from access to mobile payments and financial services. We operate mobile and fixed networks in 21 countries and partner with mobile networks in 49 more. As of 31 March 2021, we had over 300m mobile customers, more than 28m fixed broadband customers, over 22m TV customers and we connected more than 123m IoT devices.

With the proposition launching late last month, Samsung.com in partnership with A1 Comms will offer data tariffs from O2, Three and Vodafone. With a wide range of mobile devices included, prices start from just £17 a month, with nothing to pay upfront.

To ensure customers have all the options in one place, Samsung.com continues to offer a range of ways to buy outside of pay monthly contracts. This includes interest-free instalment payments via Klarna or Paypal, the Samsung Upgrade Programme where customers can upgrade to the latest Galaxy every year, and Samsung’s very own trade-in programme, giving customers the choice to find a plan that suits them.

In addition to a range of recent Samsung Galaxy S, Note and A Series models^[2], data contracts are already available for part of the flagship Galaxy S20 Series, including the S20 5G, S20+ 5G and the S20 Ultra 5G 128GB. The 512GB version of the S20 Ultra will be arriving within the next 3 months, alongside Samsung’s innovative new foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip. Launched earlier this year, the prestigious S20 Series features a brand-new camera architecture that combines AI with Samsung’s largest image sensor yet, whilst the Galaxy Z Flip introduces a sleek new form factor, creating a unique foldable experience unlike any other smartphone on the market today.

“At Samsung.com, we believe it’s important to listen to our customers’ needs and deliver simple solutions where we can” said Nick White, Online Director at Samsung UK. “This is why we decided to launch pay monthly on Samsung.com, which our customers would usually have to source elsewhere”.

“By hosting multiple purchasing and package options via our online store, we are giving Samsung customers a one-stop-shop to find everything they need when purchasing a new smartphone, so they can find the payment solution that’s right for them. We’re pleased to be able to offer these monthly contracts alongside a range of other payment solutions to our customers, and we’re excited to be able to include part of the newly launched S20 range as part of this.”

To find out more information on Samsung’s current range of products and purchasing solutions please visit https://www.samsung.com/uk/pay-monthly-contract.

[1] Monthly plans are adjusted according to the Retail Price Index inflation rate each year. Your contract will be with our trusted partner, A1 Comms Ltd, as well as your chosen network.

[2] Product availability and contracts vary per network carrier

The collaboration has seen the partners working closely to bring 5G to life with a complete end-to-end solution, and this weekend, guests of Goodwood will witness firsthand the speed and connectivity of this advanced technology.

Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. will make 5G history by remotely driving this first-of-its-kind virtual reality car, starting his journey with an initial “drive” up the world-famous Goodwood Hillclimb prior to the opening. The car, a Lincoln MKZ, will be controlled from a different location on the estate powered by a Designated Driver teleoperation system, the new Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and a Samsung VR headset; all enabled via Vodafone’s superfast 5G network.

“This proof of concept is a great stepping stone towards remote presence use-case using 5G and the Goodwood FOS was the perfect testing ground. We are thrilled to lead future consumer experience in 5G by pushing the boundaries of our 5G product portfolio and technologies.” said Yoon Lee, Senior Vice President, Product Innovation and Content & Services, Samsung Electronics America.

Max Taylor, Consumer Director at Vodafone UK said “Vodafone is proud to be demonstrating true innovation and another 5G world first with Samsung and Designated Driver. The driver, who is positioned in another location at Goodwood, will guide the autonomous car through a VR headset around the track.  Vodafone’s 5G network provides speeds up to 10 times quicker than 4G and super low latency, which is critical for this application where an instantaneous response time is crucial”

“Being a Professional Fun-Haver, I’ve built my career on pushing the limits of car control,” said Gittin Jr. “However, I have never envisioned myself getting crazy behind the wheel using VR, phones and remote driving gear. Designated Driver, Samsung and Vodafone are all bringing their A game when it comes to cutting-edge technologies. I’m going to put on a VR headset to put on a fun interactive show for the Goodwood crowd. And I’ll be remotely driving the S-Drone from the Future Lab, on the other side of the Goodwood estate. This is going to get wild!’’

Fans wishing to further engage with the Hillclimb ‘moment of history’ can head to Samsung’s Future Lab zone and watch Vaugh Gittin Jr. in action. Here, they can also discover other engaging activities including the ultimate G-Force experience. Using a state of the art G-force VESARO racing seat, guests can take on the virtual challenge of racing the fastest lap within the Future Hub’s stand. The journey will be captured and shared with the latest Galaxy S10 5G, with the chair connected to Samsung’s exceptional 8k QLED screen for the best-in-class gaming experience.

Goodwood is an ideal platform for inspiring visitors with all things 5G; a highly anticipated technological advancement. Samsung and partners, Designated Driver and Vodafone, are firmly at the forefront of this new technology and are proud to leverage the powerful operational systems, fast network speeds and epic device capabilities to ring in the new era of 5G.

“Goodwood provides the perfect showcase for people to discover and enjoy our latest innovations, along with our partners. We are thrilled to bring to life our new Galaxy S10 5G device through world first experiences that will stay with guests long after the event.” said Kate Beaumont, Innovation, Technology, and Services Director at Samsung UK & Ireland.

Manuela Papadopol, CEO, Designated Driver, added: “We’re excited to be here with Samsung, Vodafone and Vaughn Gittin Jr., showing the world what is possible when you combine innovative and emerging technologies like teleoperation, virtual reality and 5G networks. By utilising the 5G network, we’re able to achieve the lowest latency possible, enabling Vaughn to pilot the car at relatively-high speeds.”

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is open from today until 7^th July [2019], guests wishing to learn more about the technology or devices can visit the experience zone within the Future Lab.

About Designated Driver

Designated Driver offers seamless teleoperation of autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles, ensuring safety in the event of obstructions, challenging terrain or vehicle malfunction. The company offers both direct and indirect approaches to the remote control of vehicles. Led by an executive team with decades of experience in automotive technologies, Designated Driver is committed to producing products adhering to the highest levels of functional safety. For more information, visit www.designateddriver.ai

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at https://news.samsung.com/uk

The impressive new addition to the S10 family, S10 5G, is bigger, better and faster than any S-series device ever launched, for further information visit www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-s10/galaxy-s10-5g/

About Vodafone

Vodafone connects people, businesses and devices to help our customers benefit from digital innovation. Our services span mobile, fixed line, broadband and the Internet of Things (IoT). We employ around 11,000 people across the UK, and operate more than 400 retail stores nationwide.

Having made the UK’s first mobile phone call and sent the first text, Vodafone has a history as a tech pioneer. In 2018 we made the UK’s first live holographic call using 5G, and were first to start carrying live 5G traffic from a site in Salford, Greater Manchester. Today we serve over 18 million mobile and fixed line customers in the UK, with 4G network coverage at 99%. Our customers voted us the UK’s Best Mobile Network at the 2018 Trusted Reviews awards.

We are part of Vodafone Group, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, with mobile operations in 25 countries, partnerships with mobile networks in 44 more, and fixed broadband operations in 19 markets. As of 31 December 2018, Vodafone Group had approximately 700 million mobile customers and 21 million fixed broadband customers, including all of the customers in Vodafone’s joint ventures and associates.

For more information about Vodafone UK, please visit: www.vodafone.co.uk