Two Saudi service providers have signed deals with Rakuten Symphony as they look towards their next generation of mobile networks.
Salam has signed a strategic alliance framework agreement that will see Rakuten Symphony provide Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) and network planning, implementation and operation services while Zain KSA has signed an MoU to enable strategic collaboration in building next-generation telecommunications networks based on open standards and network infrastructure.
Under the Salam agreement, Rakuten Symphony will provide platforms, expertise and services relating to 4G and 5G Open RAN technology. The alliance will allow for delivery of software, hardware, service delivery platforms and managed services in several areas, including e-commerce, fintech, mobile banking, big data and digital content.
Ahmed Al-Anqari, CEO, Salam, said: “Our strategic alliance with Rakuten will power Salam’s ambition to transform our existing mobile offering with richer customer experiences and unlock new possibilities for Saudi Arabia’s digital generation in support of the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey.”
Under the MoU signed with Zain KSA at Mobile World Congress 2023, Rakuten Symphony will deliver mobile network services through the use of open technology that will facilitate wireless infrastructure. The firms will collaborate on a blueprint for a cloud-native, fully virtualised, new-generation radio access solution architecture, which will be Open RAN 4G and 5G-based with advanced automation capabilities.
Zain KSA Chief Technology Officer, Abdulrahman Al-Mufadda, said: “This collaboration will leverage and maximise the strengths of Zain KSA and Rakuten to accelerate innovation and drive the Saudi ICT sector toward achieving Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to transform the Kingdom into a digital hub that fosters a digital economy and hyper-connected society.”
