Etisalat, STC, Zain, Mobily, and du, commit to deploying Open RAN
Major global operators seem committed to overhauling radio access network deployment models with a quintet of Middle Eastern operators signing a memorandum of understanding “to push forward the implementation of…Open RAN solutions in their existing telecom networks, share their industry knowledge and experience setting a clear path to drive innovation for the ICT sector across the Middle East,” per a press release from Abu Dhabi-based Etisalat.
The latest from the group of Middle Eastern operators–Etisalat, STC, Zain, Mobily, and du–follows a January announcement of a similar MoU signed by Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone.
Etisalat Group CTO Hatem Bamatraf said in a statement disaggregated radio systems “will help to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of our networks. I am excited about this partnership that will foster a diverse and secure 4G/5G ecosystem…This is also a testimony to Etisalat’s commitment and leadership in innovation in the ICT sector and to development and adoption of Open RAN ensuring the best network experience for our customers.”
The increasing traction among operators for Open RAN tracks with market projections from Dell’Oro Group, which earlier this year made an upward adjustment to its near-term outlook, and projects that attendant revenues will “approach” $10 billion during a five-year forecast period ending in 2025.
“The conversation and the overall attitude towards Open RAN has clearly changed over the past six months,” Dell’Oro Group Vice President and Analyst Stefan Pongratz said in a statement,. “It is no longer a question if Open RAN will happen and the question now is more on the timing and the scope.”
