By using Open RAN, or Open Radio Access Network, which has industry-wide standards that enable its interoperability between multiple vendors' equipment for cellular wireless networks, the two countries aim to avoid a situation in which Huawei Technologies Co. and other Chinese players control the flow of information.Numerous instances in which Huawei Technologies and other foreign companies have complete control of important infrastructure including mobile phone base stations have become an economic security issue for Japan and other countries.Open RAN technology also reduces the risks of cuts to the global supply chain, and is expected to lead to reduced costs for communication services via greater competition caused by weakening the hold of a few major companies.On Dec. 7, Japan and Britain announced a digital partnership that includes commitments to cooperate in diversifying telecoms, ensuring stable supplies of semiconductors and toward responsible development and application of artificial intelligence.Related coverage:FEATURE: Activists combat social injustice facing Britain's ESEA communitiesFEATURE: New research challenges WWII pro-Japan British "spy" allegationJapan, Britain vow to sign defense cooperation pact at early date"