By Joseph Waring

Docomo inks NEC JV

NTT Docomo unveiled plans to create a joint venture with long-term partner NEC to accelerate the commercial launch of the operator’s 5G open RAN ecosystem experience (OREX) service globally, as AWS, Arm and Marvell became new partners in the initiative.

NEC will hold a 34 per cent share of the new venture, which has not been named and will be formally established at the start of April, while Docomo will hold a 66 per cent interest.

In a briefing on the project Sadayuki Abeta, Global Head of Open RAN Solutions at NTT Docomo, said it was partnering with NEC to tap the latter’s global footprint. He added the tie-up combines Docomo’s open RAN R&D resources and experience in Japan with NEC’s global system integration capabilities.

A statement explained the new company will source products and services locally from partners in each market and conduct system verifications to deliver mobile networks tailored to the needs of each operator.

The three new partners join a roster nearly 30 the operator has lined up. Docomo also named seven delivery partners providing on-site assistance for remote and automated support and maintenance.