Aramco Digital and Intel plans to construct Saudi Arabia’s first Open RAN (Radio Access Network) development center.
It is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses advanced technology and economic diversification, as well as its ambitions to construct more flexible communication networks.
Unlike traditional RAN networks, which are constructed by a single vendor, open RAN aims to promote more open networks with multiple providers.
The oil and chemical corporation Aramco has a digital and technology division called Aramco Digital.
Aramco Digital and Intel
Aramco Digital and Intel claim that the partnership for an Open RAN center would create an innovation hub, train the local labor force, and boost the nation’s economy.
Additionally, employees at the development facility will receive training on Edge computing and Open RAN technologies.
CEO of Aramco Digital Tareq Amin stated, “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to helping drive innovation in the Kingdom.”
“By offering a place for teamwork, growth of talent, and the establishment of a thriving technological ecosystem, the Open RAN development center is anticipated to be a catalyst for digital progress. The establishment of a robust local pool of skills for sophisticated 5G and future 6G technologies is at the core of this partnership.
Despite no specific inaugural date has been disclosed, the development center is expected to debut at sometime this year.
Open RAN has been promoted by a number of manufacturers, including Ericsson, Nokia, and Mavenir Telecom, and has been implemented or planned to be used by a number of operators, including Vodafone, Orange, and AT&T.
Parallel Wireless only disclosed last week that it had implemented Open RAN at 1,500 locations throughout Africa.
According to research firm Counterpoint Research, telcos are anticipated to invest over $30 billion in Open RAN by the end of the decade.
