Leading with O-RAN: Operator Strategies in Action

Why It Matters

The shift to O-RAN and AI-enabled SMO promises to lower vendor lock-in, enable multi-vendor networks at scale, and unlock faster service automation—potentially reshaping telecom supply chains and competitive dynamics. Successful component RFQs and cross-operator collaboration will determine how quickly operators realize cost, flexibility and innovation gains.

Summary

At a fireside panel, AT&T’s Eiguel Elbaz and Deutsche Telekom’s Thomas Lips said O-RAN has moved beyond specification into real-world deployment, with vendors broadly embracing open architectures. Deutsche Telekom is already scaling O-RAN in Germany—about 3,000 sites planned next year—and is pursuing a component-based RFQ across multiple countries, while AT&T and others are on staged migration paths. Both executives highlighted the emergence of SMO (service management and orchestration) and AI-driven RIC capabilities as central to operationalizing O-RAN and reshaping existing OSS. They cautioned the industry must accelerate pace and simplify standards processes to keep up with fast-moving technology innovation.

Original Description

In this O-RAN ALLIANCE discussion, operator executives share their strategic perspectives on the introduction of open and intelligent RAN, and looked how the organisation has evolved to support future generations of radio access network.

Moderator: Gabriel Brown, Senior Principal Analyst, Mobile Networks, Omdia

Featuring:

Yigal Elbaz, SVP, Network CTO, AT&T

Thomas Lips, Chair of the Board of O-RAN ALLIANCE and SVP RAN Disaggregation & Enablement, Deutsche Telekom

First broadcast: March 2026