- AT\&T becomes the first US operator to launch a third-party rApp via Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform
- The move signals growing operator confidence in open RAN and network automation
What happened: AT&T pushes open RAN forward with first third-party rApp deployment
AT&T has officially launched a third-party rApp (radio network application) on its live production network via the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform, becoming the first US operator to do so. The newly integrated rApp—developed by external vendor Viavi Solutions—targets automated performance management of mobile traffic congestion, marking a key milestone in open RAN progress.
The deployment aims to simplify radio access network (RAN) operations, with AT\&T stating this was not just a technical demonstration but a practical implementation with measurable outcomes. The rApp uses data from the RAN to detect congestion and automatically resolve issues using established policies. Ericsson confirmed that the process aligns with O-RAN Alliance standards, allowing for interoperability between components from different vendors.
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Why it’s important
While this deployment demonstrates the viability of third-party applications in live open RAN environments, broader concerns remain. The telecoms industry has long touted open RAN as a path to vendor diversity and innovation, but standardisation and integration challenges have slowed its adoption. By launching a Viavi rApp in a live network, AT&T is pushing open RAN closer to commercial readiness—showing that multivendor cooperation is achievable in real-world settings.
However, Ericsson’s role as the platform provider raises questions about how “open” the ecosystem truly is. Smaller vendors may still face barriers to entry if dominant players control key interfaces. Moreover, AT&T has not disclosed whether it plans to scale the rApp or introduce additional third-party applications. As operators increasingly pursue automation to manage network complexity, deployments like this will test whether open RAN can meet its promises without compromising reliability or vendor neutrality.
