Open RAN, and virtualized networks in general, are often held up to be a strong solution for network sharing or neutral host models, because different operators’ network functions can all be deployed on the same cloud infrastructure to save cost and complexity. Network sharing is particularly important in rural areas where it is hard for operators to build and run an individual RAN profitably, and Orange and Vodafone have kicked off a partnership to drive Open RAN into this scenario. The prospect of shared rural networks should be further helped by Open RAN’s support for a broader ecosystem of radio vendors. If radio units and basebands can be mixed and matched, there is improved opportunity for makers of low-cost radios…