Zain Kuwait, in collaboration with Parallel Wireless, has successfully completed a groundbreaking proof of concept (POC) for 5G standalone (SA) technology. This POC, focused on fixed wireless access (FWA), achieved download speeds exceeding 1.3 Gbps, surpassing Zain’s stringent performance benchmarks and setting a new standard for open RAN technology.
The success of the trial not only validates the maturity of open RAN but also demonstrates its ability to compete with traditional RAN solutions in delivering next-generation network performance. In addition to impressive speeds, the trial showcased energy-efficient capabilities, with Parallel Wireless’ GreenRAN technology delivering more than 35% energy savings compared to legacy systems. This advancement contributes to Zain’s sustainability strategy and net-zero target by 2050, as noted by Zain’s Chief Technology Officer, Daaij Al-Oud.
The POC also highlighted deployment flexibility and interoperability, with seamless operation across two Kubernetes platforms – SUSE and AWS. Furthermore, the trial confirmed the viability of CU-DU separation based on ORAN Split Option 2, improving network scalability and operational efficiency. METCO, a key player in the project, facilitated the collaboration and managed the execution to ensure the successful outcome.
