Open interfaces and software defined spaces work in Kuwait
Mobile operator group Zain, which operates in seven Middle Eastern and African markets, has completed the first live trial of Open and Virtual Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology in Kuwait. It was implemented in collaboration with cloud software specialist Mavenir and Masiya, a top system integrator in the Middle East and Zain partner of 21 years. The live trial in Kuwait follows Zain Group’s contribution to the Open RAN support memorandum of understanding in 2021.
Contained OPEX
Digital cloud-based solutions with open interfaces bring an opportunity for a more efficient and faster deployment, new consumer and enterprise offerings, while minimising capital investment and operational costs in radio networks in future, according to Dr Virtyt Koshi, Mavenir’s general manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Mavenir, Masiya, Intel and Dell used Mavenir Radios Units, containerised distributed units and central unit software on Mavenir’s Webscale Platform acting as a container/platform service layer running on commodity hardware from Intel and Dell.
Kuwait first
“Zain is consistently seeking technologies that contribute to building a strong sustainable future for Kuwait and the markets we proudly serve,” said Nawaf Al Gharabally, Zain Group Chief Technology Officer, “This Open RAN trial empowers Zain with better understanding and practice experience on new technical trends for further development. That will enable us to continue offering distinct mobile services to our valued customers.” Zain promised the cloud offerings will brings Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the forefront of its application roll out.