Digital & Tech case study: Parallel Wireless

A leading US based software company

Parallel Wireless logo Parallel Wireless is a private sector business that provides wireless telecommunications solutions, who believes that software has the power to unleash amazing opportunities for the world. Established in 2012 the company employs around 700 people.

Headquartered in New Hampshire, US, Parallel Wireless, Inc. is an Open RAN software company delivering the world’s leading ALL G – 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G cloud-native, Open RAN solutions. They are used by leading global Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) such as BT/EE in the UK, Vodafone in Ireland, Turkey and Africa, Millicom, Axiata Group, Orange, MTN and many more, and have been recognised with over 80 industry awards.

Leading the wireless tech revolution in the UK

With customers already based in the UK, such as BT/EE and Vodafone, Parallel Wireless saw the potential for expanding their portfolio into the UK markets.

The UK has been a key player in the RAN infrastructure domain for many years, and this continues to be the case with the development of 5G and movements such as Open RAN, O-RAN Alliance, and the Small Cell Forum. There is in the UK, a pool of wireless expertise, an ecosystem of Wireless/RAN companies, and some excellent universities advancing research and innovation, and training the engineers of tomorrow.

The UK Government Research and Development (R&D) support schemes and Telecoms Diversification Strategy provide a supportive ecosystem for innovative companies such as Parallel Wireless to invest and thrive in.

The company has recently been awarded an Innovate UK grant to support a feasibility study which will research solutions to enhance timing accuracy and location-based services for mobile communication networks, and they are participating in further cutting-edge technology competitions to advance innovation in the RAN.

Image credit: Parallel Wireless

Innovative R&D in the heart of Bristol

The world of Telecoms/RAN infrastructure is changing radically towards solutions based on disaggregated commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) based hardware platforms and smart applications with open interfaces. This new approach requires a deep understanding of the wireless standards and of computer platforms and their underlying Central Processing Units (CPUs).

Bristol is at the heart of the West of England’s ‘Silicon Gorge’ and has the best of both worlds. For decades Bristol and its region have hosted wireless companies, silicon providers and high-performance computer companies. This was part of the reason that Parallel Wireless decided to locate its UK R&D hub in the city.

Employees cutting a ribbon for Parallel Wireless

“Today Parallel Wireless in Bristol is able to combine the best of the region to really innovate and reimagine the RAN. Bristol has a thriving tech scene and amazing tech infrastructure. It hosts a world leading 5G test network, managed by the University of Bristol and partners in the city centre. Bristol is also a place where people want to live, and we feel is currently one of the most attractive cities in the UK.”

Open house ribbon cutting with our guest Dimitra Simeonidou, Professor and Director of the University of Bristol Smart Internet Lab, and Head of the Bristol Digital Futures Institute.