Collaborative Workshop: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy's commercial attaché and American tech firms, held a workshop in Washington focused on Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) technologies.
Strategic Goals: The event aimed to strengthen the Saudi-U.S. partnership in communications and technology, supporting the development of a sustainable digital infrastructure aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for digital transformation and economic growth.
Key Discussions and Participants: The workshop covered the advancements and opportunities in ORAN technology, featuring contributions from global companies such as Airspan, Qualcomm, Mavenir, and others, along with over ten local entities.
Washington, September 6, 2024 – In a significant collaborative effort, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, together with the commercial attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia and leading American technology firms, hosted a comprehensive workshop focused on the successful deployment of Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) technologies.
The workshop, which took place in Washington, featured prominent attendees including Nasser Albakr, Assistant Deputy Minister for Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of Telecommunications, and U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney. The event was designed to advance the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States in the realm of communications and technology. Its core objective was to foster the development of a versatile and sustainable digital infrastructure that aligns with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of digital transformation and the expansion of the digital economy.
During the workshop, participants explored the maturation of ORAN technology, shared insights into its potential and the various opportunities it presents, and discussed success stories from its application in different contexts. The discussions highlighted the transformative impact of ORAN on the communications sector, emphasizing its role in driving innovation and enhancing technological capabilities.
The event saw participation from leading global companies in the ORAN field, including Airspan, Qualcomm, Mavenir, HP, NVIDIA, Intel, and DISH/Echostar. These industry giants, alongside over ten local entities and companies, contributed to a rich exchange of knowledge and expertise. Their involvement underscored the workshop's role as a crucial platform for promoting international cooperation and advancing technological progress in the communications sector.