NTT Data and open RAN specialist Mavenir agreed a global partnership to deploy cloud native, open architecture 5G networks with the aim of driving openness and virtualisation.

In a joint statement, the vendors explained they will combine NTT Data’s IT and telecoms services with Mavenir’s open virtualised RAN and converged packet core products to offer network services to operators and enterprises worldwide.

The companies added they will work closely together on “pioneering projects” to promote adoption of open RAN and meet operators’ needs as they transition to open and virtualised 5G networks.

In June, the companies partnered to deploy an end-to-end cloud-native standalone 5G campus network at an NTT Group innovation centre in Germany.

In February, mobile unit NTT Docomo formed a coalition of 13 international technology companies to collaborate on accelerating open RAN.