How standardization contributes to the new operator model

In the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, standardization has emerged as a cornerstone for Mobile Network Operators like Orange, who are at the forefront of this transformation. The new operator model is not just about providing connectivity; it’s about leading the future with a robust infrastructure that supports innovation, security, and sustainability.

Let’s delve into how standardization is shaping the future of network operators and what Orange is doing to stay ahead in the game.

Orange is committed to a deep network transformation that hinges on key principles such as disaggregation, openness, automation, softwarization, and an API-first approach. By participating in major standardization bodies like 3GPP, GSMA, TM Forum, NGMN, ETSI, and contributing to Linux Foundation projects like Sylva, Nephio, and CAMARA, Orange is actively involved in defining the architecture of standardization. This involvement ensures that the network operator can meet the diverse requirements of modern connectivity solutions with more agile and adaptable networks.

The journey towards a Telco Cloud Network is marked by the virtualization of the Radio Access Network (RAN) and mobile transportation. This shift is driven by industry groups such as the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) and O-RAN Alliance. Orange’s strategy is to create a reference framework for product and end-to-end platform certification and validation, which is crucial for ensuring interoperability and optimizing network resources.

Orange recognizes the complementary nature of open source and standards. By adopting cloud business practices that leverage open source components, Orange is changing the operational dynamics of networks. The Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN) advocates for cloud-native principles across all network layers, which Orange is implementing to enhance service design and delivery. These principles include decoupled lifecycles, declarative automation, GitOps, and unified resource consumption patterns.

This is a profound change in the way we design and deliver services. We already started to co-innovate with the launch of the GSMA Open Gateway which provides open network APIs for developers. We are also founder member of Camara fund.

Open APIs enable orchestration for software-driven services, and underlying automation. Open APIs facilitate application portability from one disaggregated hardware platform to another.

As a driving force in the environmental transition, Orange is focused on improving energy efficiency across all standards. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon by 2040. Additionally, Orange is dedicated to upholding commitments to security, privacy, quality of service, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection.

In a landscape where the number of topics is increasing and the number of delegates is decreasing, prioritization is key. Orange is identifying new market trends and ensuring that the right topics are addressed by the right delegates. This includes exploring areas such as digital twins, IoT devices, Matter, and the Metaverse.

To conclude, standardization is not just a technical necessity; it’s a strategic enabler for the new operator model. By focusing on activities that support transformation and defending contributions to standards, Orange is consolidating and creating new business opportunities. The commitment to standardization is a testament to Orange’s dedication to leading the future and providing exceptional service quality in an ever-changing digital world.

Authored by Julien Boudani, in charge of Standardization Strategy and Open Source at Orange