NTT East Goes on Private 5G RIC Roll

Why It Matters

Demonstrating reliable multi‑vendor RIC interoperability lowers integration costs and accelerates private‑5G adoption, positioning NTT East as a leader in AI‑enabled network automation and shaping future 6G standards.

Key Takeaways

• First multi‑vendor RIC test in Japan’s private 5G
• 98.5% success across 335 device combinations
• Trials cut integration costs for operators
• AI‑driven RICs improve power efficiency and latency
• Findings will shape NTT East’s 6G roadmap

Pulse Analysis

Private 5G networks are gaining traction as enterprises seek dedicated, low‑latency connectivity for critical applications. NTT East’s recent laboratory trials mark a pivotal step by integrating RAN Intelligent Controllers (RICs) defined by the O‑RAN Alliance, a framework that encourages open, multi‑vendor ecosystems. By collaborating with 26 vendors, NTT East demonstrated that diverse hardware can coexist without sacrificing performance, a breakthrough that challenges the historically monolithic approach of traditional telecom deployments.

The trial’s 98.5% success rate across 335 device pairings underscores the robustness of the RIC‑based architecture. Interoperability testing uncovered specific failure modes, enabling the creation of technical guidelines that streamline future integrations and reduce capital expenditures. Moreover, the assessment of 4K video transmission highlighted the system’s capacity to handle bandwidth‑intensive workloads while maintaining low latency. AI‑enabled autonomous control, powered by the RIC, further optimizes power consumption and dynamically adjusts radio parameters, delivering operational efficiencies that appeal to cost‑conscious enterprises.

Looking ahead, NTT East plans to embed the insights from these trials into its commercial private‑5G rollouts and leverage the same methodology for 6G research. The ability to orchestrate heterogeneous equipment through a unified RIC platform positions NTT East at the forefront of next‑generation network innovation. Industry players can expect faster time‑to‑market for private‑5G solutions, reduced vendor lock‑in, and a clearer pathway toward AI‑driven, ultra‑reliable connectivity that will underpin emerging use cases such as smart factories, autonomous vehicles, and immersive media.