In a significant move to advance the telecommunications sector, Aramco Digital and Intel have unveiled plans to establish the first Open RAN (Radio Access Network) Development Center in Saudi Arabia. This initiative is poised to be a cornerstone in the nation’s digital revolution, propelling innovation and technological progress in line with the Kingdom’s strategic Vision 2030 aspirations.
The partnership is set to bolster the growth and implementation of Open RAN technology, which is recognized for its adaptability, interoperability, and capacity for innovation. By doing so, it will contribute to a more resilient and swiftly evolving telecom infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, enhancing digitalization across various sectors.
Leveraging Aramco Digital’s profound insights into the Kingdom’s developmental goals and the potential for Open RAN technology, coupled with Intel’s trailblazing expertise in computing and communications, this collaboration is a powerful alliance.
Key facets of the partnership include:
- Innovation Hub: The Open RAN Development Center is envisioned as a nexus for ingenuity, uniting the expertise of engineers, researchers, and industry specialists from Aramco Digital and Intel.
- Local Talent Empowerment: The initiative is also dedicated to nurturing domestic expertise by offering training and practical involvement in the dynamic domains of Open RAN and Edge computing technologies.
- Economic Advancement: The joint venture is structured to deliver economic benefits via tech-centered programs, thus supporting the overarching goals of Vision 2030.
- International Cooperation: The collaboration extends its reach globally, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in the international Open RAN and Edge technology scene.
The Open RAN Development Center is slated to begin its operation in 2024, marking a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s trajectory toward a tech-empowered future.
Sachin Katti, Intel’s senior vice president and general manager of the Network and Edge Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: We are pleased to collaborate on Open RAN with Aramco Digital and to combine Intel’s technological prowess in network and edge computing and software with the local insights and industry leadership of Aramco Digital. Together, we aim to accelerate the deployment of edge-native Open RAN solutions in Saudi Arabia and beyond,
Echoing this sentiment, Aramco Digital’s CEO Tareq Amin highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration: This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to helping drive innovation in the Kingdom. The Open RAN Development Center is expected to be a catalyst for digital evolution, providing a platform for collaboration, skill development and the creation of a vibrant technology ecosystem. At the heart of this collaboration is the creation of a vibrant pool of local capabilities for advanced 5G and future 6G technologies.