- Mavenir has eliminated $1.3 billion in debt, raised $300 million, and exited Open RAN radio hardware—pivoting back to software licensing and core network solutions.
- The company plans to prioritise AI-powered network intelligence services as it adjusts to slower market demand for hardware-based Open RAN.
What happened: Mavenir gets finances in order but rethinks Open RAN strategy
Mavenir has restructured its finances, cutting approximately $1.3 billion in debt through a debt-for-equity swap with lenders and securing $300 million in fresh funding.
At the same time, the company has revised its Open RAN approach. It is exiting the hardware side—no longer building its own radio units—and instead shifting focus to software-based support. Mavenir will licence its radio IP to original design manufacturers (ODMs) and operators, while doubling down on its profitable core network software portfolio, including voice, messaging, billing, and packet core systems.
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Why it’s important
Mavenir’s recapitalisation offers financial breathing room after heavy investment in its Open RAN venture, the hardware of which failed to gain expected traction. By reverting to software, it avoids the capital intensity and inventory costs of hardware production while maintaining its Open RAN presence through licensing deals.
The shift also reflects broader market trends: operators remain hesitant to adopt multi-vendor Open RAN hardware, especially in mature markets. Mavenir now aims to capitalise on AI-driven network intelligence (NIaaS) services on top of its core software offerings, potentially yielding higher margins and differentiation.
