NTT East tested 335 private 5G RIC combinations in Japan

NTT East conducted laboratory connection tests in Japan for private 5G using O-RAN Alliance-defined RAN Intelligent Controllers (RICs, software platforms that optimize and automate radio access network operations). The company said the tests involved 26 vendors and achieved successful connections in 98.5% of 335 combinations of compatible core, RAN and terminal equipment.

NTT East said the multi-vendor connection testing using RICs was a first in Japan for private 5G. The company said it analyzed the causes of failed connections, compiled technical considerations for interoperability, and also assessed throughput and latency for 4K video transmission.

NTT East said RICs can autonomously control base stations, which can reduce power use, improve radio efficiency and simplify parameter adjustments for different private 5G use cases. The company said this was its second RIC trial: the first round, during its fiscal 2024 ending March 2025, covered interoperability tests with 265 vendor devices and security enhancement trials. NTT East said results from both rounds will be used in future private 5G deployments and will also support its 6G development work.