By Clifford Agugoesi, Editor-in-Chief
The Palau National Communications Commission(PNCC) management and technical staff recently completed an in-depth workshop on 5G and Open RAN technologies and operations, Cyber Era NG learns.
Open Radio Access Network, or O-RAN, is an innovative approach to building mobile networks that will allow PNCC to offer faster, more accessible 4G and 5G services to its customers. Unlike traditional networks, O-RAN enables PNCC to use equipment from a variety of vendors, making the network more flexible and cost-effective, ensuring long term sustainability and world-class performance. This means better mobile coverage and internet speeds for everyone in Palau.
The workshop, held in Palau, was supported by a Technical Assistance grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). The grant provides PNCC with the funding for the first phase of the project, to design a new mobile telecom network based on 5G Open RAN technology that will also expand the mobile network footprint to underserved areas with the addition of new cell sites.
We gather that a US provider of engineering consulting services, Widelity, conducted the workshop, and was picked to assist PNCC with the training and detailed plans for the new system.
This project embodies PNCC’s commitment to providing world-class connectivity services to its customers and further establish Palau as a digital transformation leader among the Pacific Island countries.
