Zain completes 5G Open and cRAN trial in Kuwait

Leading Middle Eastern mobile voice and data services operator Zain has announced it has successfully completed the first live trial in the region of Open and Virtual Radio Access Network (Open cRAN) in Kuwait. Zain says that the achievement, which was implemented in collaboration with Mavenir and leading system integrator Masiya, enhances its position in Kuwait’s on the global ICT map.

The trial in Kuwait follows Zain Group’s key contribution to the OpenRAN support MOU in 2021 with other leading regional mobile operators driving innovation across the Middle East.

Zain working towards building a strong, sustainable future for telecommunications in Kuwait 

Nawaf Al Gharabally, Zain Group & Zain Kuwait Chief Technology Officer, said: “As a pioneer of mobile telecommunications playing a leading role in the digital transformation vision of the region, Zain is consistently seeking technologies that contribute to building a strong sustainable future for Kuwait and the markets we proudly serve. This Open cRAN 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.”

“We are delighted to work with Zain Group on delivering Cloud Native Open cRAN in Kuwait City”, added Dr Virtyt Koshi, SVP, GM EMEA, Mavenir. “We have deployed open interface Radio Units, fully containerized 4G and 5G RAN software functions on Kubernetes based PaaS/CaaS and COTS hardware, connected through the existing Core network. Digital cloud-based solutions with open interfaces bring an opportunity for a more efficient and faster deployment, new consumer and enterprise offerings, while minimising capex investment and opex in Radio networks going forward,” Koshi said. 

Ibrahim AlZamel, Chief Operating Officer of Masiya said: “As a long-time selected partner of Zain for over 21 years, we are pleased to be part of this regional breakthrough. Masiya launched the first MMSC back in 2001 in the Middle East and we are pleased to be a cornerstone in trialling the first Open cRAN in the region with Zain.”