Kuwait is moving quickly to modernize its telecom network with the help of Open RAN deployment. Zain Kuwait and Rakuten Symphony have joined hands to roll out the country’s first fully cloud-native Open RAN network. This project will lead to faster and more flexible 5G services across the region.
Zain Kuwait has selected Rakuten Symphony’s advanced cloud and Open RAN portfolio for this milestone project. Together, they aim to deliver 5G Standalone (SA) services to selected locations in Kuwait. The initiative will also act as a pilot for wider Open RAN deployment across the Zain Group’s regional markets.
Both companies believe Open RAN deployment offers a major step forward in telecom efficiency. With this collaboration, Zain Kuwait expects to cut rollout times and reduce operating costs. Rakuten Symphony will supply virtualized Distributed Units, Centralized Units, and cloud-native software to power the network.
Moreover, Zain Kuwait will provide the physical infrastructure. This includes 5G cores, data centers, and transport networks. These elements form the backbone of the new cloud-native setup. The collaboration benefits from Rakuten’s experience in Japan’s post-5G research projects.
Open RAN deployment continues to gain global momentum due to its flexibility and vendor-neutral design. In Kuwait, this model is expected to boost innovation and attract more technology investments. Zain Kuwait aims to lead the regional shift toward smarter and more scalable mobile networks.
This project also signals Kuwait’s strong push to become a regional digital leader. Both partners are aligned in their vision to deliver better service and wider network access.
Additionally, the partnership marks a long-term strategy, not just a single pilot. Zain Kuwait views this as the first of many digital infrastructure upgrades to come.
In conclusion, Kuwait’s telecom sector is evolving with support from global tech leaders like Rakuten Symphony. This Open RAN deployment will set new benchmarks for digital growth in the country.
