Parallel Wireless is the only company in the telecom sector to use OpenRAN architecture and build up a software-based solution for All G (2G/3G/4G/5G). It is the first company to date to challenge the biggest telecom companies and design solutions for all networks. Rajesh Mishra, founder of Parallel Wireless says that the OpenRAN ecosystem helps in cost-saving and easy to maintain as Wi-Fi at the same time. Founded in 2012, this US-based start-up has engaged in business with more than fifty leading network operators around the world. And, companies like Vodafone and Telefonica has named it the best performing vendor at this age. The products of Parallel Wireless has won many awards and recognition as network operators understand the importance and flexibility of open virtualized RAN solutions.
About Rajesh Mishra
Rajesh Mishra is an alumnus of IIT Roorkee who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 1993. Rajesh started his career as Software Engineer at Hughes Network System and switched to Tellabs after a couple of years. He worked at many companies which include Sonus Networks, Cedarpoint Communications, Whaleback Systems, Powerwave Cognition, etc. Before founding Parallel Wireless he was the President of Bramhand Consultancy Services Inc. Currently, he is the President of Parallel Wireless.
Importance of Open RAN
The pandemic situation has increased the demand for efficient network connectivity. Most of the people are continuing work from home and the students are attending online classes as well. With existing 4G and 5G networks helping millions of users to connect and work, the telecom industry faces challenges like geopolitical stresses, 5G deployment challenges, etc.
And, all these challenges can be overcome by one simple solution, that is, Open RAN. The biggest trouble of network vendors limited to a certain geopolitical region can be solved by establishing an open market. Many network operators are supporting Open RAN and its commercialization. This had led to the development of the companies on a massive scale that builds equipment for Open RAN. The technology of Open RAN primarily concerns having more vendor choice but cost savings is also an important factor.
One must also understand that Open RAN is not a new technology and exists in the market for more than a decade. But, the current situation of the global pandemic and financial stress had led many operators to consider this option. Thus, it might mark a big change in the telecom industry inviting more players and broadening the market.
Expansion in Asia and Africa
Currently, Parallel Wireless is the leading company in the world in terms of delivering Open RAN solution for coverage and capacity. One of the biggest flaws in general network operators overcome by Open RAN solution is geopolitical stresses. Last year, Vodafone in collaboration with Parallel Wireless deployed a macro Parallel Wireless OpenRAN pilot in Turkey and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As the only company around the globe to provide ALL G cloud-native fully virtualized RAN solutions, it is doing a commendable job. The excellent team of Parallel Wireless has shown exceptional efficiency, top-class quality of the product, and along with that optimization the cost of it. Moreover, due to the disaggregation of hardware and software the deployment is fully virtual making it easy to install, maintain, and upgrade.
Partners and Funding
Parallel Wireless has partnered with many prominent companies in the telecom industry to make cellular communication as easy and affordable as possible. Some of the major partners are Comba and KMW for Open RAN hardware ecosystem, Intel, Dell, and many others for baseband, RedHat, VMWare, Cisco for other aspects. To date, Parallel Wireless’s total funding is $8.8 million. The number of employees in the company is around 400.
Awards
As the company is trying to reach many rural areas as well as targeting the countries in Africa mainly, it has received several awards for its breakthrough. Some of the most prestigious awards include Best Mobile Breakthrough Technology (20th Global Mobile Awards), Best Technical Platform Based on Network Intelligence for SDN/NFV in 2015, Winner Excellence in Commercial Deployment (Rural and Remote) in 2015, Most Innovative LTE Service, etc.
The recent awards bagged by the company are Aegis Graham Bell Award WINNER- Innovation in the cloud, WINNER of Best Network Software breakthrough, and shortlisted in Leading Lights Awards 2020.
Annasha Dey is an NIT student, who apart from studying engineering is also a content writer. She has a great interest in photography, writing, reading novels, and travelling as well. She is a foodie who loves socializing and hanging out with her friends. She is also a trained Kathak dancer and a big fashion enthusiast. Dey also loves watching TV series, which includes F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory. To be a better writer she prefers to read more