In a significant development within the telecommunications sector, Nokia and du, the telecommunications operator from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), have announced the launch of what they describe as the first commercial deployment of a 5G Cloud RAN solution in the Middle East and Africa region. This deployment took place at a site in Abu Dhabi.
The 5G Cloud RAN solution incorporates Nokia’s AirScale massive MIMO radios that operate within the 3.6 GHz frequency band. The technology is underpinned by Nokia’s anyRAN platform, which includes virtualized distributed units (vDU) and centralized units (vCU) that utilise Dell PowerEdge XR8620 servers. This architecture is augmented by Red Hat’s Kubernetes-powered hybrid cloud application platform, OpenShift, facilitating cloud-native RAN functions across the network.
According to Nokia, the integration of Red Hat OpenShift allows du to enhance its 5G network capabilities by improving scalability, which is critical for the rapid introduction of new services. These services are anticipated to encompass a range of advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, as well as applications tailored specifically for industries such as manufacturing, energy, and logistics.
Saleem Alblooshi, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of du, commented on the deployment stating, “Leveraging 5G Cloud RAN will not only enhance our network's efficiency and flexibility but also enable us to explore new opportunities and services that can deliver genuine value to our customers and society at large.” His remarks highlight the transformative potential that this deployment has on both the operational framework of du and the broader telecommunications landscape in the region.
The implications of this initiative could play a pivotal role in reshaping business practices across multiple industries, as increased connectivity and advanced network capabilities empower enterprises to leverage data-driven insights and automate processes more effectively. This ongoing evolution in telecommunications infrastructure is expected to facilitate a new wave of innovations, fostering improved efficiencies and customer experiences in the digital economy.
Source: Noah Wire Services