If some operators are frustrated that Open RAN has not been moving more quickly, others are equally impatient to see faster progress in edge compute. There has been a lot of discussion, including in Wireless Watch, of how a telco-grade edge, managed by operators and integrated with advanced connectivity, could expand the 5G-era business model. A handful of operators have built out extensive edge compute, both to support their own network functions and to deliver enterprise services, including Rakuten and SK Telekom. Some are working closely with hyperscalers through initiatives such as AWS Wavelengths. But in general, there have been limited measurable impacts from operator 5G edge so far. Consultancy STL Partners has slashed its forecast for operator edge deployments…