We have recently analyzed how Nokia is seeking to lead development of a key new element of the O-RAN architecture, the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC). With the RIC – which sits between the baseband and the orchestration layer in O-RAN’s vision of a disaggregated, virtualized network – the Alliance is proposing more than just common, open fronthaul interfaces to replace the semi-proprietary CPRI, and is eyeing full architecture changes. Nokia has set aside some of the clear conflicts of interest involved in supporting open, multivendor platforms and has opened up its interfaces in some cases (notably for Rakuten), and is also contributing significantly to the code and the real world testing for O-RAN specifications, including the fronthaul and the RIC.…