Ooredoo Kuwait deploys NWDAF to optimize real-time 5G streaming video performance
Ooredoo Kuwait has deployed the 3GPP-standardized Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) within its 5G Core to enable AI-driven network intelligence and real-time Quality of Experience (QoE) optimization. The deployment aims to transition the operator's network management from reactive troubleshooting to a predictive, autonomous model that supports the requirements of data-intensive streaming services.
Key Takeaways
- NWDAF implementation uses AI and ML to detect anomalies and anticipate network requirements before they impact service continuity.
- The 5G Core deployment enables the operator to collect and analyze multi-source data to improve operational efficiency and decision-making speed.
- CTO Issa Haidar cited the move as a foundation for future closed-loop automation, including intelligent traffic management and predictive resource allocation.
- The analytical layer helps identify early indicators of service degradation to protect customer experience in segments like 4K streaming.
Why It Matters
The deployment of NWDAF represents a critical shift for operators moving from capacity-based competition to experience-based monetization. By embedding standardized analytics directly into the 5G Core, Ooredoo Kuwait can now dynamically adjust resources for high-bandwidth video traffic based on real-time user performance data rather than static thresholds. For the broader ecosystem, this signals a move toward 'intent-based' networking where infrastructure automatically prioritizes low-latency applications like live sports or cloud gaming. Watch for Ooredoo to leverage these insights to launch differentiated 5G-Advanced service tiers, potentially offering guaranteed bitrates for streaming subscribers.
Additional Context
The adoption of NWDAF by Ooredoo Kuwait follows a wider regional push for 5G-Advanced capabilities. Per Opensignal in February 2026, the Kuwaiti market is defined by intense competition between Ooredoo, Zain, and stc, with Ooredoo already securing leadership in '5G Games Experience' awards. This deployment builds on Ooredoo's earlier work in May 2025, when the operator confirmed its 5G-Advanced readiness and initiated spectrum reallocation in the 2300 and 2600 MHz bands to support AI-enhanced performance. Globally, major operators are utilizing NWDAF to address the technical hurdles of 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks. According to TelcoTitans in March 2025, Telefónica began implementing similar NWDAF functions at its Vivo unit in Brazil to explore monetization in gaming and industrial robotics. Market analysts at Omdia reported in July 2025 that customer experience and telecom network automation have become the top priorities for service providers as they attempt to recoup massive 5G capital expenditures through data-driven service assurance and network slicing. Furthermore, Ooredoo Kuwait’s focus on AI-driven infrastructure is part of a broader group strategy. Per Ooredoo Group reports from June 2026, the operator has heavily invested in AI infrastructure spending through partnerships with NVIDIA and Nokia to build regional AI data centers. These facilities are intended to process the massive telemetry generated by NWDAF, allowing for localized, low-latency analytics that are essential for maintaining 4K and 8K video stability across dense urban mobile networks.
Read full article at telecomreview.com
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