NEWS
Batelco joins six Middle East operators in an Open RAN MoU
Rashid Mohamed , General Manager Networks , Batelco software and hardware that will support the building of more agile and flexible mobile networks in the 4G and 5G era . The introduction of open RAN , virtualisation and automation will enable a fundamental change in the way operators manage networks and deliver services .
As part of the agreement , the first Open RAN centralised test lab has been established in the Middle East region , with the support of TIP ( Telecom Infra Project ) and Intel .
Batelco has signed an open radio access network ( RAN ) memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) aimed at increasing momentum for the technology and its solutions in the region , alongside other leading Middle East Operators . The other signatories to the MoU are Etisalat Group , Saudi Telecom Company ( stc ), Zain Group , Mobily , du , from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company ( EITC ), and Omantel .
The MoU between the seven operators serves to confirm their joint commitment to deploy open RAN across their footprint , providing an opportunity to traditional RAN vendors to adopt open interfaces ,
Rashid Mohamed , General Manager Networks , Batelco , said : “ This collaboration and alignment on OpenRAN is a milestone for the telecommunications ecosystem in the Middle East . It will create a more competitive and robust supply chain , leading to faster 5G deployment , network efficiencies , opportunities for new technology vendors , and unlock advanced services for customers . We are pleased to join other like-minded and leading organisations in fostering innovation and opportunities for the region .”
“ Regional collaborations on Open RAN development , such as this Middle East MoU and The European MoU , an agreement signed by five European telcos , Deutsche Telekom , Orange , Telefónica , TIM and Vodafone , with similar aims , are key to drive the success of the technology and realise its full potential ,” Mohamed added .
IceWarp inaugurates new office in Dubai ’ s Business Bay Area
IceWarp , a maker of unified collaboration tools and messaging solutions for companies of all sizes , has cemented its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first office located in the prime area of Business Bay in Dubai .
With a presence across more than 50 countries , IceWarp provides businesses with affordable , seamlessly integrated , and easy-touse communications solution , that covers all aspects of business collaboration and productivity .
The new office puts IceWarp at the heart of the business hub in the city that will allow them to strengthen the company ’ s position in the region and grow the brand even further .
Pramod Sharda , CEO , Icewarp India and the Middle East , said : “ It is a tremendously thrilling moment for us at Icewarp as we take another step towards realising our goals of expanding the company ’ s footprint in the MENA region . Our local , as well as global teams , are bullish on the expected growth from Icewarp ’ s Middle East operations as we strengthen our presence in the area and look forward to capitalising on the opportunities created in recent times for enterprise-email collaboration solutions and work-from-anywhere setups . We believe that our new office ’ s inauguration in Dubai ’ s Business Bay area surely
Pramod Sharda , CEO , Icewarp India and the Middle East cuts the ribbon at the inauguration of the new office .
reinforces our commitment towards the region as we look forward to providing seamlessly collaborated enterprise email solutions to organisations of all sizes .”
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