Large operators are coming to the point where they need to make key strategic decisions about their future relationships with cloud providers. Even if they do not plan to implement full cloud-native 5G networks for some years yet, they will want to start thinking about the best infrastructure to use, and how to afford it. Some MNOs will build all their cloud infrastructure themselves, but it is an expensive and challenging task to optimize those platforms for highly demanding virtual network functions (VNFs) such as a vRAN – as Rakuten is discovering. It is presumed that one of the reasons for its launch delay is that its group of suppliers and integrators are finding it harder than anticipated to tune…