Rakuten Symphony has partnered with Saudi telecom tower company Tawal to deploy a multi-operator shared indoor network driven by Cloud RAN technology at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Jeddah. The deployment, described as an apparent first for the country, leverages cloud-native radio access network capabilities to deliver a neutral host network model that allows multiple telecom operators to share infrastructure while retaining full operational independence over their individual networks.
Neutral Host Network Architecture and Capabilities
At the core of this deployment is Rakuten Symphony’s Cloud RAN architecture, which underpins a neutral host network designed to serve several operators through a single shared infrastructure platform. This multi-operator indoor network approach eliminates the need for each operator to build and maintain separate indoor coverage systems, streamlining the delivery of connectivity within large-scale venues such as university campuses.
The neutral host network is capable of supporting 5G Standalone networks and provides a foundation for future edge computing and AI-powered applications. It is important to note that these advanced use cases represent future potential rather than features that have already been commercially deployed at the site.
An unnamed telecom service provider has already integrated with the network’s core infrastructure. Voice calls using 5G New Radio and Voice over LTE have taken place on the platform, demonstrating the operational readiness of the shared architecture.
Rakuten Symphony president Sharad Sriwastawa stated that enabling multiple operators to run on a single intelligent infrastructure platform creates a blueprint for future indoor connectivity that reduces infrastructure costs, improves sustainability, and provides a foundation for AI-powered digital services.
Expansion Plans and Strategic Context
Tawal, which is controlled by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has confirmed plans to expand the neutral host network model concept in collaboration with Rakuten Symphony. The company aims to enhance the efficiency of multi-operator indoor coverage solutions across the Kingdom.
Tawal CEO Mohammed Alhakbani said the project represents a significant step forward in advancing shared digital infrastructure solutions and reinforces Tawal’s role in enabling telecom operators to expand with greater efficiency and flexibility. He added that through advanced solutions addressing the requirements of current networks, the company is also ensuring readiness for emerging technologies and evolving regulations governing indoor coverage.
Rakuten Symphony’s work in Saudi Arabia follows its cloud-native 5G network deployments in Japan, where the company worked alongside Rakuten Mobile. In those earlier projects, the firm paired its virtualized centralized unit and distributed unit technology with an open radio access network kit provided by 1Finity.
The deployment at KAUST underscores the growing relevance of Cloud RAN and neutral host network models in addressing the indoor connectivity demands of complex, multi-tenant environments. With Tawal’s stated commitment to scaling this approach, the partnership could shape how multi-operator indoor network solutions evolve across Saudi Arabia in the years ahead.