Some large operators are starting to set out clear roadmaps to a cloud-native, container-based architecture for their 5G core, though the cloud-native RAN is some way behind, possibly by several years in terms of large-scale, macro network deployments. Vendors like Nokia are offering cloud-native vRAN systems, and also supporting open interfaces such as O-RAN, but most operators indicate they will initially trial such technology in greenfield, secondary or localized networks, rather than risk any performance trade-offs in the main network at this early stage. It is different for fully greenfield MNOs, of course. Rakuten Mobile, Dish Network and others have the luxury of not having legacy physical networks to integrate, sunset or depreciate. But even for these new players, the…