The project represents a significant step forward in advancing shared digital infrastructure solutions in the Kingdom. TAWAL operates the infrastructure under a Neutral Host model, enabling telecom operators to utilize a unified in-building infrastructure while maintaining full operational independence over their respective networks. Compared with traditional active-sharing deployments, the solution provides a more flexible and efficient approach, offering service providers multiple deployment options and greater agility to address their individual network requirements.
As part of the project implementation, integration with the core network of one of the telecom service providers was successfully completed, followed by the successful completion of the first voice call over 5G NR and VoLTE. This milestone demonstrates the platform’s readiness to support multi-operator telecommunications services within an indoor coverage environment.
The project enhances the efficiency of digital infrastructure and optimizes the utilization of shared assets by providing a unified platform that enables telecom operators to deliver their services within buildings with greater efficiency and flexibility.
The network is powered by Rakuten Symphony’s AI-enabled Cloud RAN, providing a flexible and scalable architecture that enables operators to leverage shared infrastructure more efficiently while contributing to lower capital and operational costs. It has also been designed to support future 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks, edge computing and AI-powered applications.
Mohammed Alhakbani, Chief Executive Officer of TAWAL, said, “The launch of this project represents a significant step forward in advancing shared digital infrastructure solutions in the Kingdom and reinforces TAWAL’s role in enabling telecom operators to expand with greater efficiency and flexibility. Through advanced solutions that address the requirements of today’s networks, we are also ensuring readiness for emerging technologies and evolving regulations governing indoor coverage solutions.”
He added, “We are proud to launch an integrated Neutral Host platform in the Kingdom, designed to enable shared connectivity for multiple operators. This reflects our commitment to contributing to the development of advanced, scalable digital infrastructure that supports the growth of the digital economy and strengthens the Kingdom’s readiness for future technologies.”
Sharad Sriwastawa, President of Rakuten Symphony added, “This milestone demonstrates the power of AI-driven cloud-native Open RAN to transform how networks are built and shared. By enabling multiple operators to run on a single intelligent infrastructure platform, we’re creating a blueprint for future indoor connectivity that reduces infrastructure costs, improves sustainability and provides a foundation for AI-powered digital services.”
TAWAL, in collaboration with Rakuten Symphony and its project partners, will support the continued expansion of the Neutral Host model and enhance the efficiency of multi-operator indoor coverage solutions.
The project builds on TAWAL’s ongoing efforts to advance the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure ecosystem through integrated solutions spanning telecommunications infrastructure, site sharing, in-building solutions and smart solutions. These capabilities contribute to accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies and supporting Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
TAWAL owns a portfolio of more than 30,000 telecom towers across Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia and Pakistan. The company actively supports digital transformation plans in those markets. It is expanding its reach across new cities and rural areas and is actively rolling out smart-city-ready technologies such as camouflage telecom towers, smart poles capable of supporting 5G and IoT devices, in-building solutions (IBS), beside other tailored ICT infrastructure.
About Rakuten Symphony
Rakuten Symphony is changing supply chain norms and disrupting outmoded thinking that threatens the industry’s pursuit of rapid innovation and growth. Based on proven modern infrastructure practices, its open interface platforms make it possible to launch and operate advanced services in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional approaches, with no compromise to network quality or security. Rakuten Symphony has operations in Japan, the United States, Singapore, India, South Korea, Europe and the Middle East Africa region.
For more information about Rakuten Symphony’s offerings, please visit:
https://symphony.rakuten.com.
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