Kuwait's Telecom Triumph: A Competitive Race to the 5G Frontier

Kuwait boasts a well-developed telecom infrastructure, particularly in mobile networks and services. The telecom sector plays a vital role in the country's economy, and its significance is expected to grow in the coming years as Kuwait strategically shifts from an oil and gas-dependent economy to one centred on knowledge, ICT, and related services.

Data from GSMA Intelligence shows that there were 7.89 million cellular mobile connections in Kuwait at the start of 2024. However, note that many people around the world make use of more than one mobile connection – for example, they might have one connection for personal use, and another one for work – so it’s not unusual for mobile connection figures to significantly exceed figures for total population.

GSMA Intelligence’s numbers indicate that mobile connections in Kuwait were equivalent to 182.2 percent of the total population in January 2024. The number of mobile connections in Kuwait increased by 279 thousand (+3.7 percent) between the start of 2023 and the start of 2024.

Kuwait has three mobile operators: Ooredoo, Zain and STC. The top two mobile operators, Ooredoo and Zain , accounted for 67.5% share of overall mobile subscriptions in 2023.

In Opensignal's latest analysis of Kuwait’s mobile network experience, Zain has emerged as the leading operator, winning 11 out of 13 awards this time — either jointly or outright. Zain claims outright victory in five categories, including Consistent Quality, Reliability Experience, 5G Download Speed and 5G Video Experience, while Ooredoo continues to lead outright in overall download and upload speeds, while sharing the top spot with Zain in four award categories, including Availability — the proportion of time users spend connected to mobile broadband services — for which all three operators are closely matched.

Ooredoo Kuwait, formerly Wataniya, emerged as the second mobile operator in the country, introducing competition and driving innovation within the sector. Ooredoo provides comprehensive nationwide coverage, with a particularly strong presence in urban areas. The company has invested heavily in its 4G LTE network and is aggressively expanding its 5G infrastructure. They are working with Huawei to move toward the ‘5.5G’, or 5G-Advanced, era by upgrading their core networks across key markets.

Ooredoo is known for its competitive data plans and generally good network quality. Users often praise their data speeds, particularly in urban centres, and their commitment to providing value for money. Ooredoo offers a diverse range of services designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers. 

Zain, originally known as MTC, is a trailblazer in mobile telecommunications in Kuwait and has grown into a leading regional operator with a presence across the Middle East and Africa.

Zain provides comprehensive nationwide coverage, reaching even the most remote areas of Kuwait. The company is a leader in network technology, offering extensive 4G LTE services and rapidly advancing its 5G infrastructure. Renowned for its superior network quality, Zain consistently earns praise for its fast data speeds, clear call quality, and minimal downtime.

Zain Kuwait began deploying 5G networks in 2018. After two years of development, 5G services have entered a phase of rapid growth. The user base continues to expand significantly, with a steady increase in the proportion of 5G traffic. This growth has driven positive revenue and profit gains for the operator.

Zain Kuwait has achieved a 5G subscriber penetration rate of 23%, with the average data usage (DOU) of its 5G users being five times higher than that of its 4G users.

Zain was the first operator to commercialize 5G networks in Kuwait. Zain provided the most extensive 5G coverage and best services owing to its focus on network construction. Zain has reached 100 percent coverage within six months of the commercial launch.

STC Kuwait, formerly Viva, entered the market as the third mobile operator, further intensifying competition and providing consumers with more choices. STC has been rapidly expanding its network, achieving nationwide coverage in a relatively short time. The company has been focusing on deploying 4G LTE and is actively rolling out its 5G network.

The mobile market in Kuwait is fiercely competitive, with Zain, Ooredoo, and STC actively competing for customer loyalty. This competitive landscape benefits consumers, as operators are compelled to offer appealing data plans, innovative services, and ongoing improvements to network quality and coverage. The recent introduction of 5G has heightened the rivalry, with each provider aiming to deliver the fastest speeds and the most advanced mobile experience.

Related Posts: 

• Operator Watch Blog: The Many Firsts of STC Kuwait
• Operator Watch Blog: Kuwait Leading the way on 5G
• Operator Watch Blog: Zain Achieves Goal of 5G Leadership in Middle East & Africa Region
• Operator Watch Blog: VIVA Officially Rebrands to its Parent STC 

Top 5 Posts for 2024

Presenting the top 5 most-viewed posts on Operator Watch Blog in 2024! While these posts captured the most attention this year, they weren’t all published in 2024. To provide some context, I’ve included the month and year each post originally went live:

1. Deutsche Telekom on the Role of AI in their Network, May 2024
2. Egypt Mobile Network Operators Overview, Feb 2020
3. How many 5G Cell Towers & Base Stations Worldwide?, Aug 2020
4. Türkiye is Still Waiting for 5G but 4.5G (LTE-Advanced) is Working Great, Jan 2024
5. SK Telecom on 'Applying AI to Transform Customer Experience', Oct 2024

Did your favourite make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Harnessing AI in Telcos: Data, Opportunities, and the Future

At the Telecoms Europe virtual event, How AI is Transforming Telecoms (27 Nov 2024), Daniel Dobos, Research Director at Swisscom, presented an engaging talk titled "Have telcos got the right data in the right places to harness AI?" As Research Director, Daniel manages Swisscom’s collaborations with universities, applied sciences institutions, and research organizations. Alongside employees from various Swisscom business units, his team develops solutions leveraging cutting-edge research and technology for the benefit of customers. His prior experience includes leading AI research projects at CERN and the United Nations.

In his presentation, Daniel addressed a critical question: Do telcos have the right data infrastructure to harness AI effectively? This topic is especially pertinent as AI—especially generative AI—rapidly reshapes the telecommunications industry. He explored this question through the lenses of academic research, public sector regulation, and private sector application.

The Tsunami of AI: Opportunities and Risks

Daniel began by comparing the AI revolution to The Great Wave off Kanagawa, the iconic Japanese woodblock print. He emphasized AI's transformative potential, particularly large language models (LLMs), and urged telcos to adapt swiftly to this evolving landscape. He posed a thought-provoking question: "Are we the last generation to ask whether telcos have the right data to harness AI?" Daniel warned that telcos failing to adapt risk irrelevance or obsolescence.

Swisscom's AI Journey: From Research to Application

Daniel recounted Swisscom’s AI journey, beginning in 2016 with a partnership with EPFL to establish a digital lab focused on applied AI research for telcos. This collaboration leverages Swisscom’s extensive data resources and partnerships with leading institutions like EPFL and EDAP. Key AI techniques—natural language processing, automated speech recognition, and distributed machine learning—are deployed to enhance customer experience, network operations, and workforce management.

Real-World Applications: Optimizing Networks and Customer Care

Daniel shared three practical examples of Swisscom's AI implementation:

1. Network Optimization: AI-driven analysis of network data to optimize mobile antenna deployment, improving both coverage and energy efficiency.
2. Event Sequence Detection: Identifying patterns in massive data streams to predict network issues, optimize maintenance, and bolster cybersecurity.
3. Generative AI for Customer Care: Deploying LLM-based chatbots to automate customer interactions, enhancing self-service capabilities and boosting customer satisfaction.

Knowledge Graphs: Decoding Complex Infrastructures

Daniel highlighted the role of knowledge graphs in visualizing Swisscom’s intricate infrastructure. These graphs map out infrastructure components and their relationships, enabling better human comprehension of network structures and anomalies. This approach enhances maintenance efficiency and risk detection.

Current Research: Pushing AI Boundaries

He also shared insights into Swisscom’s ongoing research in areas like infrastructure optimization, energy savings, and secure data analytics. A key innovation is the use of synthetic data, which enables collaboration between researchers and telcos without compromising privacy. Other projects include graph anomaly detection and advanced energy-saving strategies.

Key Takeaways: Data is the Key to AI Success

Daniel concluded by emphasizing that while Swisscom is well-positioned to leverage AI, many telcos are not. He underscored the importance of making data accessible and ready for AI algorithms. He urged telcos to prepare their data now, as the window of opportunity is narrowing. Comparing the current AI landscape to "teenage love," he advised experimenting with different AI models without committing prematurely. By ensuring data readiness, telcos can fully capitalize on AI’s transformative potential.

The video of his talk is embedded below:

Note: This blog post was created with assistance from ScreenApp for generating the video summary.

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• Operator Watch Blog: Swisscom Outlines Challenges and Plan to Transition to a Software Company
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Venezuela’s Mobile Revolution: Growth, Innovation, and the Road to 5G

Venezuela, despite facing economic and political challenges in recent years, has a dynamic telecommunications market. Mobile operators play a pivotal role in keeping citizens connected, providing essential services amid an increasingly digital world.

Data from GSMA Intelligence shows that there were 21.37 million cellular mobile connections in Venezuela at the start of 2024.

However, note that many people around the world make use of more than one mobile connection – for example, they might have one connection for personal use, and another one for work – so it’s not unusual for mobile connection figures to significantly exceed figures for total population.

GSMA Intelligence’s numbers indicate that mobile connections in Venezuela were equivalent to 73.4 percent of the total population in January 2024.

The number of mobile connections in Venezuela increased by 1.5 million (+7.7 percent) between the start of 2023 and the start of 2024.

Mobile telecommunications in Venezuela are regulated by CONATEL (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones), which oversees the licensing and operation of mobile operators. The market is characterized by a mix of state-owned and private entities. There are three main mobile operators; Digitel, Movilnet and Movistar.

Digitel begun shutting down its 2G network in May 2021, with the local unit of Movistar commencing the process on 1st July 2022. This leaves state-backed Movilnet as the sole 2G provider.

CONATEL plans to phase out 2G connectivity by the end of 2025 and replace it with 4G. The government also hopes to deploy around 2,100 new 4G cell sites by 2025 to achieve 90% population coverage.

Movistar is part of the Telefónica Group and has a market share of nearly 54% of the country's mobile market, it is the leader in Venezuela's mobile market, with a customer base exceeding 7 million. Notably, 84% of its users are 4G customers, and the company accounts for over 50% of the country’s mobile internet traffic. Additionally, it has expanded into providing home fixed internet services through its Movistar Agile Solution (SAM) product. The operator's mobile network utilizes GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 3G+ UMTS (HSDPA/HSUPA), and LTE technologies. 

Recently Movistar Venezuela has undertaken more than 1,300 initiatives to enhance its LTE network coverage across the country, according to José Luis Rodríguez Zarco, the company’s president.

During a press conference, Rodríguez Zarco shared that the operator is actively modernizing and expanding over 500 stations in Caracas and the eastern region, while extending its 4G network to 32 new areas to improve coverage and capacity. He also stated they are focused on expanding coverage, modernizing their platforms, recovering affected stations and preparing for new technologies such as voice over LTE and 5G.

Movilnet a subsidiary of Compania Anonima Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela (CANTV), has a nearly 40% market share in Venezuela's mobile telecommunications industry.

Earlier this year, Movilnet has carried out a series of initiatives to strengthen its presence and quality of service in the eastern region of Venezuela. As part of its strategy to expand and improve 4GMAX coverage, the company has carried out network enhancements in Nueva Esparta, Monagas and Sucre, benefiting some 74,000 customers in the area.

Movilnet has also begun pilot testing of 5G technology in the Capital District and La Guaira and more than 130 million dollars have been invested so far this year, so there is an increase in new technologies to benefit their customers nationwide.

Digitel is the smallest of the three operators with approximately 15% market share and 3 million mobile subscribers. Digitel's network originally only covered Venezuela's central region, but the company expanded its reach through a series of mergers and network expansion programs. In 2013, Digitel became the first operator in Venezuela to offer 4G/LTE capabilities in major cities.

Digitel received the Ookla Speedtest Award 2023, after consolidating itself as the fastest mobile network in Venezuela.

Digitel reported that on June 7 2024, it carried out the first tests of 5G technology in the 3.5 GHz band, in the states of Nueva Esparta and Barinas. Specifically, this is the Fixed Wireless Access or FWA service, boosting the connectivity and browsing experience of users who participate in the demo. 

Digitel's deployment of its 5G network in Nueva Esparta and Barinas includes the adaptation of the existing infrastructure, specifically 20 radio base stations, to offer speeds up to 10 times higher, with almost non-existent latency. This means a faster and more stable browsing experience for users, through a fixed service.

The mobile sector in Venezuela is poised for transformation as operators navigate economic and political challenges while meeting growing consumer demands. With strategic investments, partnerships, and regulatory reforms, the industry could play a vital role in driving digital inclusion and economic recovery.

Deutsche Telekom’s Open RAN (ORAN) Plans

Open RAN (O-RAN/ORAN) took centre stage at Deutsche Telekom AG’s Capital Markets Day 2024 (#DTCMD24), with multiple mentions highlighting its growing significance in the telecom industry. Claudia Nemat, Member of the Management Board responsible for Technology and Innovation, underscored its role in co-creating with partners and kick-starting transformative initiatives like Open RAN and network APIs.

In her presentation, she highlighted both the opportunities and challenges presented by Open RAN. While it offers greater choice and flexibility, it also introduces significant complexity—someone must "stitch it all together." To navigate this complexity successfully, Deutsche Telekom is focusing on robust procurement at the subcomponent level, alongside developing strong software engineering, testing, and integration capabilities.

Deutsche Telekom’s transition from SRAN (Single-vendor RAN) to ORAN is not a new strategy, but Claudia shared an important update: the company is also developing its own RAN management system. This system aims to control costs, improve user experience, and mitigate risks associated with reliance on Chinese vendors. The approach involves replacing external configuration management systems with an in-house solution—a shift supported by a public agreement.

Deutsche Telekom reaffirmed its commitment to Open RAN, setting an ambitious goal to fully develop its conflict management capabilities by 2027. This long-term strategy positions the company as a leader in balancing innovation with operational resilience.

At Fyuz 2024 in Dublin, Petr Lédl, Chief Architect of DT O-RAN and Vice President of Network Trials at Deutsche Telekom talked about the progress in its three core areas of Open RAN – open fronthaul, an independent management framework, and the adoption of cloud RAN for hardware/software disaggregation. Deutsche Telekom is building on its in-house service management and orchestration (SMO) platform to develop a common management system that can cope with traditional RAN as well as Open RAN elements, says Lédl.

The video of his talk is embedded below: 

Related Posts: 

• Operator Watch Blog: Deutsche Telekom on the Role of AI in their Network
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Namibia's Digital Transformation Journey Continues Unabated

Namibia, with its vast landscapes and scattered population, presents unique challenges for mobile operators. As of 2024, the mobile sector in Namibia has continued to grow steadily, with increasing investment in infrastructure, wider network coverage, and improved service offerings.

According to GSMA Intelligence, Namibia had 2.91 million mobile connections at the beginning of 2024. However, it's important to note that many people globally use multiple mobile connections—one for personal use and another for work, for instance—so it's common for the number of connections to surpass the total population. GSMA Intelligence data shows that, as of January 2024, mobile connections in Namibia equalled 110.8% of the population. This represents a decrease of 18,000 connections (or -0.6%) from the start of 2023 to the start of 2024.

The major players in Namibia's mobile telecommunications sector are Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and Telecom Namibia, with other operators like Paratus offering specialized services. MTC’s market share in subscriber terms was 82% at the end of 2023 and Telecom Namibia at 17%. Paratus does not yet have a significant number of wireless subscribers, only 0.3%.

Mobile network coverage continues to increase across the country, with the regulator having urged the MNOs to focus investment in rural areas and thus support the government’s broadband coverage targets. The government in late 2023 lifted its moratorium against 5G deployments and the regulator followed by completing an auction of 5G-suitable spectrum in the 700MHz range. MTC began trialling 5G at the end of the year, while the regulator launched a campaign to educate the public about the benefits of 5G while dispelling the misinformation about the technology which had stalled its adoption earlier.

MTC is the first mobile phone provider with the most customers in Namibia and a pretty good coverage. It's the recommended network for travellers.  

MTC has retained its dominant position in Namibia's mobile telecom market, holding an estimated 84% market share, covering 98% of the population, and serving a customer base of 2.17 million, according to managing director Licky Erastus. The company has also aggressively expanded into the internet and fixed-line broadband market, achieving a 115% increase in revenue growth.

MTC's network now consists of 1,014 active sites, with 70% of these sites 4G-enabled, handling 50% of the company’s mobile data traffic.

Erastus noted that MTC initiatives continue to ensure that rural Namibians have access to the same mobile broadband experience as those in urban areas. In 2023, MTC upgraded 97 rural sites, 67 of which were equipped with refarmed spectrum to support 4G/LTE technology.

MTC and Huawei Technologies have held the country's first 5G technology demonstration in Windhoek after the government lifted a moratorium on 5G and allocated spectrum to telecom providers.

Minister of ICT, Emma Theofelus, hailed the event as a milestone for Namibia, emphasizing the importance of adopting advanced technology for national development. "This trial marks Namibia's commitment to leveraging technology for progress," she said, highlighting 5G's role in enabling e-governance, e-commerce, and e-health through faster connectivity. Huawei has previously partnered with MTC to bring 3G, 4G, and 4.5G technologies to Namibia.

Telecom Namibia Limited is the national telecommunications operator, established in August 1992 and wholly owned by the Government of the Republic of Namibia. Telecom Namibia is serving more than 619,000 (fixed and mobile) customers and annual revenue of more than N$ 1,4 Billion. Telecom Namibia runs the largest Digital Telecommunication Network in Namibia. The company is a leading supplier of voice, text, data and video solutions.

Telecom Namibia has entered into a five-year partnership with Huawei Technologies Namibia, aiming to enhance its mobile network capabilities and coverage nationwide. This collaboration is part of Telecom Namibia's Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2027, which outlines plans to invest in modernizing and expanding the TN mobile network. The initiative includes the deployment of new mobile base stations and upgrading existing ones across the country. Under the agreement, Telecom Namibia will acquire advanced mobile radio access equipment from Huawei to boost network capacity and coverage, particularly in underserved areas. This partnership will support the rollout of cutting-edge mobile technologies such as 4G, 4.5G, and 5G, providing consumers with faster, more reliable mobile broadband services.

Paratus Telecom holds licenses for 4G/LTE on band 3 (1800 MHz) in Windhoek and refarms its old WIMAX customers to 2600 TD-LTE (Band 38). It boast with the lowest prices for data in the country, but its network is limited to 4G/LTE.

Paratus is currently serving over 700 commercial and business customers across Namibia and quickly expanding into the residential and small business markets.  Additionally, Paratus is also now peering with four national and eight international interconnect operators to provide global calling plans.

The mobile telecommunications sector in Namibia is at an exciting phase, with major operators like MTC and Telecom Namibia leading the charge toward a more connected and digital future. However, significant challenges remain in terms of affordability, rural access, and staying competitive in the rapidly changing technological landscape. Despite these hurdles, the future looks bright, with a clear focus on innovation and expanding services to meet the needs of the entire population.

Namibia's journey to becoming a fully connected society will depend on sustained investment, collaboration between private and public sectors, and the continual evolution of mobile technology.

Related Posts: 

• The 3G4G Blog: 4G/LTE, 5G and Private Networks in Africa
• Operator Watch Blog: Data Usage Growing in Namibia but No 5G Please 

Case Study: AIS Thailand’s Transformation to 5G-Driven Autonomous Operations

At FutureNet Asia 2024, held on 17-18 September at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, AIS's EVP, Mr. Wasit Wattanasap, discussed the company’s 5G growth, AI integration, and contribution to Thailand’s digital economy.

He highlighted AIS’s investment in autonomous networks and intelligent IT systems to enhance operational efficiency, manage costs, and improve customer experiences. AIS aims to future-proof its infrastructure for the next generation of connectivity.

AI will play a key role in AIS’s network operations, aiming for real-time, personalised interactions and fully autonomous network processes by 2025. Already nearing "level 3.5" AI integration, AIS plans to advance towards "level 4" predictive networks that proactively address issues before they impact customers, improving both service quality and customer satisfaction.

His talk is embedded below:

Telecom Review has an interview with him here.

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