Setelah beberapa kali uji coba di Indonesia sejak tahun 2018, tahun ini dipersiapkan
komersialisasi teknologi 5G bisa segera diimplementasikan di berbagai kota
potensial. Tentu saja, kehadiran teknologi baru memerlukan belanja modal tidak
sedikit.
Di sisi lain, hampir seluruh industri terkena imbas dari pamdemi COVID-19
sehingga berbagai langkah efisiensi dilakukan sebagai strategi. Perhitungan biaya
modal membangun infrastruktur dengan waktu pengembalian sebelum kehadiran
teknologi terbaru lainnya pun menjadi perhatian.
Open RAN merupakan teknologi yang mengintegrasikan semua teknologi baik itu
2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, dalam satu sistem server. Inti atau server dalam Open RAN dapat
berupa virtual server, sehingga operator seluler dapat menggunakan multivendor
dalam menerapkan topologi jaringan tanpa terikat pada satu merek/brand.
Konsep ini memberikan efisiensi beban biaya baik belanja modal (Capex) maupun
belanja operasional (Opex) di sisi operator seluler dengan kualitas layanan yang
sama baiknya diterima oleh pelanggan. Hal ini membuka kesempatan bagi operator
untuk memperluas jaringan dan mengembangkan layanan lain bagi masyarakat.
Seberapa besar efisiensi yang bisa diperoleh dari penggunaan Open RAN masih
belum diketahui secara pasti. Namun, berbagai riset dan perhitungan operator
seluler menilai bahwa arsitektur Open RAN akan mengurangi Capex 5G secara
signifikan jika dibandingkan dengan 4G. Misalnya, Deutsche Telekom mengatakan
arsitektur Open RAN akan mengurangi tagihan CAPEX 5G setidaknya 50%
dibandingkan dengan 4G. Berbagai operator seluler percaya Capex mereka akan
berkurang 30% – 50% dengan Open RAN.
Dengan kemampuan program yang disediakan oleh Open RAN, operator memiliki
kemampuan untuk meluncurkan aplikasi dan layanan baru tanpa bergantung pada
vendor. Operator dapat menghadirkan layanan baru ke pasar lebih cepat, mereka
akan dapat menghasilkan uang lebih cepat. Semua ini akan membawa pengalaman
konsumen ke tingkat yang baru.
Terlepas dari efisiensi yang ditawarkan, Open RAN berpotensi menyediakan
platform yang sangat dibutuhkan untuk inovasi, mendorong peluang dan aliran
pendapatan baru bagi operator seluler dan pelanggannya. Salah satunya melalui
pengembangan solusi internet of things (IoT) sebagai salah satu sumber pendapatan
baru.
Open RAN adalah solusi win-win untuk semua - operator jaringan mendapatkan
keuntungan dari biaya yang lebih rendah dan kemampuan untuk membawa layanan
baru ke pasar lebih cepat sementara pengguna memiliki akses ke layanan baru ketika
mereka membutuhkannya dan untuk jaringan operasi yang lebih lancar.
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The main goal is to provide the best service for customers and encourage Indonesia's
digital society. Telecommunication network providers, especially cellular operators,
must provide network services with the latest technology.
After several trials in Indonesia since 2018, this year, the commercialization of 5G
technology is prepared to be implemented in various potential cities. Of course, the
presence of new technology requires a lot of capital expenditure.
Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all businesses affected and must have
various efficiency measures as a strategy. The calculation of the capital cost of
building infrastructure with a payback period before the presence of other latest
technologies is also a concern. Seeing the tighter margins in the telecommunications
industry, globally, not only in Indonesia, the Open RAN technology, which stands for
Open Radio Access Network, was developed.
Open RAN is a technology that integrates all technologies, be it 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, into
one server system. The core or server in Open RAN can be in the form of a virtual
server so that mobile operators can use multi vendors in implementing a network
topology without being tied to one brand.
This concept provides cost efficiency for capital expenditure (Capex) and operational
expenditure (Opex) on the cellular operator side with customers' same quality
service. This technology opens up opportunities for operators to expand the network
and develop other services for the community.
It is not clear how much efficiency can gather from using Open RAN. However,
mobile operators' various research and calculations assess that the Open RAN
architecture will significantly reduce Capex 5G compared to 4G. For example,
Deutsche Telekom says the Open RAN architecture will reduce the CAPEX 5G bill by
at least 50% compared to 4G. Various mobile operators believe their Capex will
decrease by 30% - 50% with Open RAN.
With the programming capabilities provided by Open RAN, operators can launch
new applications and services without depending on vendors. Operators can bring
new services to the market sooner, and they will be able to make money faster. All of
this will take the consumer experience to a new level.
Despite the efficiencies offered, Open RAN can provide a much-needed platform for
innovation, driving new opportunities and revenue streams for mobile operators and
their customers. One of them is developing the internet of things (IoT) solutions as a
new source of income.
The virtualization that OpenRAN brings allows operators to run more efficiently and
reliably, creating a distributed cloud edge that can provide software-based
networking functionality on standard servers. The move to a cloud-native
architecture allows network functions and applications divided into tiny
microservices that can be mixed and matched to fit the required application.
As a result, smart devices can be integrated tightly into the network, not just
connected endpoints. This solution can span everything from simple IoT devices to
connected multi-function devices and autonomous vehicles, and extends to
manufacturers, buildings, smart cities, and even people.
Open RAN is a win-win solution for all - network operators benefit from lower costs
and the ability to bring new services to market faster while users have access to new
services when they need them and for a smoother operating network. Operators
benefit from increased capabilities to manage network performance-related
challenges, such as increasing capacity and coverage where needed.