Batelco has signed an open radio access network (RAN) memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at increasing momentum for the technology and its solutions in the region, alongside other leading Middle East Operators. The other signatories to the MoU are Etisalat Group, Saudi Telecom Company (stc), Zain Group, Mobily, du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), and Omantel.
The MoU between the seven operators serves to confirm their joint commitment to deploy open RAN across their footprint, providing an opportunity to traditional RAN vendors to adopt open interfaces, software and hardware that will support the building of more agile and flexible mobile networks in the 4G and 5G era. The introduction of open RAN, virtualisation and automation will enable a fundamental change in the way operators manage networks and deliver services.
As part of the agreement, the first Open RAN centralised test lab has been established in the Middle East region, with the support of TIP (Telecom Infra Project) and Intel.
Rashid Mohamed, General Manager Networks, Batelco said: “This collaboration and alignment on OpenRAN is a milestone for the telecommunications ecosystem in the Middle East. It will create a more competitive and robust supply chain, leading to faster 5G deployment, network efficiencies, opportunities for new technology vendors, and unlock advanced services for customers. We are pleased to join other like-minded and leading organisations in fostering innovation and opportunities for the region.”
“Regional collaborations on Open RAN development, such as this Middle East MoU and The European MoU, an agreement signed by five European telcos, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, TIM and Vodafone, with similar aims, are key to drive the success of the technology and realise its full potential,” Mohamed added.
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