SONIC Labs Annual Report – 24/25

One of Digital Catapult’s advanced connectivity interventions, the SONIC Labs innovation programme and facility, is delivered in partnership with Ofcom and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Since launching, it has tested 71 Open RAN products from 26 global vendors, establishing itself as a key driver towards open, interoperable, and secure advanced connectivity and network infrastructure in the UK.

This report showcases SONIC Labs’ role in advancing Open RAN technologies, supporting energy-efficient solutions, and fostering global partnerships. With its newly accredited status as the UK’s first Open Testing and Integration Centre, Digital Catapult is driving forward a more open, resilient, and diverse telecoms ecosystem.

Read the report to learn more about:

• The launch of the Open RAN Technology Access Programme, focusing on energy-efficient solutions.
• Completion of Cohort 5, featuring advanced outdoor testing and real-world deployment scenarios.
• Strengthened global partnerships through MOUs with leading international labs in Taiwan, India, Germany, and the USA.
• Hosting PlugFests and contributing to Open RAN certification and badging, enhancing market readiness.
• Deepened engagement with UK mobile network operators and expanded support for SMEs and innovators.

SONIC Labs continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of telecoms by fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and positioning the UK as a global leader in Open RAN development.