Vodafone Oman has recently completed a comprehensive upgrade that positions it to roll out 5G standalone (SA) services, marking a significant milestone in the telecommunications landscape of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This upgrade encompasses a complete overhaul of the Ericsson end-to-end core network and cloud infrastructure, integrating network management, lifecycle management, and business support systems (BSS) in a unified project—a first for the region.
The transition to these advanced core network functions was facilitated by Ericsson’s automation pipeline, which minimizes the need for human intervention and significantly enhances operational efficiency.
The upgrade’s automation model equips Vodafone Oman with the capability to reduce network risks through the timely implementation of security patches and corrections. It also streamlines operations, improving performance and expediting time-to-value compared to traditional manual processes. The Ericsson Orchestrator played a pivotal role in managing the upgrades and provided automation packages that ensured a smooth transition to the latest technologies.
The upgrade was executed in partnership between Vodafone Oman and Ericsson’s Managed Network Services team, responsible for overseeing network operations. This collaborative approach aimed to enhance network performance and reliability, delivering a superior experience for Vodafone Oman’s users. Notably, the entire upgrade process was completed without disrupting network traffic, with over 200 live node activities executed with 100% accuracy—achieving zero incidents or escalations.
Bader Al Zidi, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Oman, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Oman Vision 2040 through digitalization and economic growth. He stated, “We are actively collaborating with global technology leaders, such as Ericsson, to create a connected tech-telco ecosystem. This upgrade, and the introduction of the Ericsson automation framework, are important steps toward enabling the implementation of new technology services and preparing Vodafone for the smooth introduction of 5G SA. The automation will not only enhance our day-to-day operations but also set the stage for future expansion.”
Nicolas Blixell, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Gulf Council Countries, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership with Vodafone Oman. He noted, “We are leveraging the power of automation to improve the CSP’s operational and energy efficiency, boost performance, reduce time to market for new services, and lower expenses by eliminating manual processes and enabling zero-touch operations.”
Since launching trial operations in Oman in 2021, Vodafone Oman and Ericsson have collaborated closely as the core and cloud network supplier. Their joint efforts are focused on delivering a state-of-the-art 5G standalone network while simultaneously enhancing Vodafone Oman’s radio access network (RAN) and transport capabilities. Additionally, they are working on developing a cloud-native, microservices-based 5G infrastructure that promises to further revolutionize the telecommunications services offered to consumers and enterprises alike.
Vodafone Oman’s recent network upgrade marks a pivotal strategic initiative aimed at enhancing digital services across the region. This advancement positions the company to leverage Ericsson’s state-of-the-art technologies and automation frameworks, significantly boosting operational efficiency and facilitating the rollout of innovative 5G services. As a result, Vodafone Oman is poised to play a crucial role in Oman’s ongoing digital transformation journey, contributing to the development of a robust, connected telecommunications ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of consumers and enterprises alike. This upgrade not only reflects the company’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure but also underscores its dedication to supporting the broader goals of economic growth and digitalization within the Sultanate. By embracing these advanced capabilities, Vodafone Oman is set to redefine the landscape of telecommunications in the region, fostering greater connectivity and service excellence.