A central platform, Rapid RIC, is being developed and deployed with Irish company Zinkworks and should be operational early next year
Vodafone and Zinkworks, an Ireland-based technology company, announced a partnership to develop a Generative AI-driven platform, Rapid RIC [for RAN Intelligent Controller). The plan is that this central platform will improve mobile service quality, network energy efficiency and performance for Vodafone’s customers throughout Europe.
The parties expect Rapid RIC to be fully operational by early 2026. It will combine Vodafone’s data analytics with a visual interface and code-generating AI so that engineers in multiple markets can more easily develop, deploy and monitor rApps.
The wrap on rApps
rApps are network software applications for 5G networks and their use will avoid having to upgrade mobile masts manually. Instead upgrades will be automatic, with autonomous signal boosts, based on customers’ needs, the remote detection and resolution of faults and the deactivation of unused links to save energy.
Vodafone reckons its customers across all its markets will benefit from faster connectivity, fewer service interruptions and better signal quality in high-demand and rural areas.
Vodafone will own the platform, which will use a Gen AI simulator to validate applications before use, avoidng the use of a more complex digital twin or central data repository.
Previously, building RAN applications required radio engineering knowledge and software skills. This platform uses Gen AI to help radio engineers quickly and easily create apps within a secure in-house environment regardless of their proficiency with AI and machine learning.
Vodafone expects to be able to deploy new, higher quality features in three to four weeks, instead of months, by enabling teams to focus on the user experience of their rApps, free of technical intricacies such as model training, data preprocessing, and infrastructure management.
Robust monitoring tools will be integrated into the platform, providing real-time insights into the performance and reliability of the rApps.
New business model, new revenues
Vodafone says this initiative supports its strategy “to lead the industry in network operational excellence by leveraging AI and automation at scale to enhance the customer experience”.
Applications such as validation and monitoring of new software and hardware developed with Rapid RIC will also be offered to other industry players. This is part of Vodafone’s plan to use its technical expertise and global operations to provide network engineering, validation, and consultancy services to third-party companies internationally.
Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer, Vodafone, said, “We are working to simplify and accelerate the deployment of AI-powered applications that directly improve the customer experience. This platform allows us to focus on delivering a stronger, more reliable signal and greater network capacity while meeting our sustainability goals.”
