Zain Kuwait, Parallel Wireless successfully complete groundbreaking trial, paving way for next-generation network performance
- Zain continues to spearhead tech innovation to cement Kuwait’s position as an ICT leader
- Trial exceeded 1.3 Gbps Throughput on a Hardware-Agnostic 5G Open RAN Platform
- Step achieved over 35% energy savings, contributing towards Zain’s net-zero goal
Nashua, NH, February 10 2025 –Zain, Kuwait’s leading technology innovator, and Parallel Wireless®, the leading provider of Open RAN hardware-agnostic solutions, have successfully completed a groundbreaking 5G Standalone (SA) Proof of Concept (POC). The step reinforces Zain’s unwavering commitment to driving technological innovation and solidifying Kuwait’s standing as a global ICT leader.
Focused on Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), this POC demonstrated download speeds exceeding 1.3 Gbps—surpassing Zain’s rigorous performance benchmark and establishing one of the highest achievements for Open RAN technology to date.
This POC represents a major step forward in the evolution of Open RAN technology, proving its ability to meet and exceed operator expectations for performance, reliability, and scalability. The success of this POC not only validates the maturity of Open RAN but also highlights its readiness to compete with traditional RAN solutions in delivering next-generation network performance.
Parallel Wireless showcased its GreenRAN™ hardware-agnostic technology during the trial. By leveraging AMD EPYC™ CPUs, the trial achieved more than 35% energy savings, compared to legacy benchmarks; demonstrating how open hardware platforms can deliver both high performance and improved efficiency.
The POC also demonstrated seamless operation across two Kubernetes platforms—SUSE and AWS—highlighting deployment flexibility and interoperability. Additionally, the trial validated CU-DU separation based on ORAN Split Option 2, enhancing network scalability and operational efficiency.
METCO played a pivotal role in the successful execution of this groundbreaking POC with Zain. From initiating discussions to overseeing project management, METCO ensured smooth collaboration throughout the process.
“Saving more than 35% of power consumption supports Zain’s sustainability strategy and contributes towards our net-zero goal by 2050” said Daaij Al-Oud, Zain Kuwait Chief Technology Officer. “By reaching over 1.3 Gbps in download speeds for 5G SA, Zain achieves yet another impressive milestone that reaffirms its leadership position in the Kuwaiti market. We are excited about the potential of Open RAN to transform the future of 5G networks.”
“The company’s expert team provided critical on-ground support, enabling the seamless execution of the trial and allowing Parallel Wireless to showcase its innovative Open RAN technology. This milestone reinforces METCO’s commitment to driving innovation and delivering next-generation connectivity solutions across the region,” said Bassem A. Jalil, Vice Chairman and CEO of METCO.
“Committed to accelerating its drive for innovation and embracing Open RAN, Zain joins a growing community of networks striving to deliver secure connectivity and optimize TCO without compromising user experience,” said Steve Papa, CEO and Founder of Parallel Wireless. “This proof of concept demonstrates our leadership in hardware-agnostic design and highlights the real-world potential of Open RAN as a platform for innovation.”
About Parallel Wireless
GreenRAN™ from Parallel Wireless is expanding the ecosystem for Open RAN with energy-efficient cross-platform technology. Deployed worldwide, our hardware-agnostic solutions enhance network security while reducing operational expenses. As a pioneer in Open RAN, we are committed to driving innovation and flexibility in network deployments. Headquartered in the USA with global R&D centers, Parallel Wireless aims to accelerate GSMA’s Mobile Net Zero initiative. Visit https://www.parallelwireless.com.
About Zain Kuwait
Mobile Telecommunications Company – Zain was founded in 1983 in Kuwait as the first telecom operator in the Middle East and Africa. The Group’s flagship operation has enjoyed a proud history of achievements since then, including becoming the first operator to launch a commercial GSM service in the region in 1994, as well as becoming the first company in Kuwait to launch nationwide 4G LTE Internet services in 2012. In 2019, Zain announced its network was fully ready for the commercial launch of fifth generation wireless technology (5G) to be the first operator to offer 5G in the GCC region via the Kuwaiti market with nationwide coverage of all areas.
About METCO
Established in 1978, METCO has become a pioneer in the ICT industry in the Middle East, consistently delivering innovative solutions across diverse sectors. Headquartered in Kuwait and with operations spanning the UAE, KSA, Oman, and Iraq, METCO continues to advance digital transformation for its clients and partners through a steadfast focus on customer-centricity and technological innovation.
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