Airspan Networks has recently acquired the open RAN portfolio from Jabil for an undisclosed amount. This move is part of Airspan’s strategic effort to expand its influence in the global 5G public market dominated by large mobile operators. Previously, Airspan had also taken over Corning’s distributed antenna systems and small cell business, indicating a trend of assertive expansion.
By integrating Jabil’s single, dual, and triple band macro radios, Airspan aims to enhance its capabilities in developing high-power macro radios for global operators. This acquisition also involves the onboarding of Jabil’s radio R&D team and use of its facilities in New Jersey, enhancing Airspan’s R&D footprint in the US.
Airspan’s CEO, Glenn Laxdal, remarked on the investment, “Airspan is investing in advanced radio development because we see a dynamic and growing market. This acquisition strengthens our ability to develop market-leading wireless network solutions and reinforces our position as a trusted US supplier.”
The acquisition aligns with Airspan’s ambition to further establish itself as a comprehensive open RAN vendor. The timing coincides with the firm’s latest role as a RAN supplier in a new private 5G deal with a major European railway company. This project, with the involvement of Smart Mobile Labs (recently acquired by Boldyn Networks) and Ireland-based Druid Software, is linked to Deutsche Bahn’s €10 million private 5G project in Germany.
Airspan is providing tailored solutions across various operational sites, from small workshops to extensive facilities. Use cases include leveraging augmented reality tools for maintenance, integrating 5G within operational technologies, and high-capacity data exchanges for both stationary and moving trains.
Henrik Smith-Petersen, Airspan’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, emphasized the revolutionary role of private 5G in transforming transportation: “With open RAN and dedicated spectrum, we ensure high-performance, interference-free connectivity for mission-critical rail applications.”
Tadhg Kenny, from Druid Software, championed the collaborative effort stating, “Our collaboration with Airspan and Boldyn Networks on this private 5G deployment showcases the power of 5G to revolutionize rail transport. Our platform is designed for mission-critical environments like rail, delivering the security and scalability needed for seamless operations.”