How Will Open-Source 5G Advance India’s Telecom Future?

Article Highlights
Off On

India’s ambitious steps toward becoming a global leader in telecommunications have reached a new milestone with the strategic collaboration among the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) at IISc Bengaluru, the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). These entities have partnered to build and support an open-source codebase for not only 5G but also future technologies like 5G-Advanced and 6G. Funded by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), this initiative is founded on the Indian Open-Source Platform for end-to-end 5G Network (IOS-5GN) and aims to revolutionize the telecom landscape by fostering domestic innovation and self-reliance.

The IOS-MCN Consortium

The formal agreement marks the establishment of the Indian Open-Source Platform for Mobile Communication Networks (IOS-MCN), a consortium composed of academia and industry joining forces to accelerate the development of next-generation 5G networks. The consortium’s strategic partners FSID, FITT, and C-DAC are collaborating alongside 16 industry partners spanning sectors such as research & development, telecom, startups, and academics. This collaboration will leverage the combined strengths of these partners in research, technology development, and commercialization.

The IOS-MCN Operating Committee plays a central role in ensuring effective collaboration, overseeing project execution, providing technical direction, engaging partners, and administrative operations. The ultimate goal here is to produce a fully open-source mobile network stack that adheres to both global 3GPP and Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) standards. The consortium’s Governing Board includes major industry players like the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), Tejas Networks, and Simnovus. Presently, a team of more than 70 technical professionals is working on the IOS-MCN codebase, marking significant progress in open-source technology adaptation for telecom infrastructure.

Technical Achievements and Industry Collaboration

In a notable milestone, IOS-MCN released its initial version v0.1.0 named Agartala on January 31, featuring industry-compliant Open RAN-compliant radio access network software, service orchestration framework, and a 5G Core. This release was thoroughly tested with two Made in India ORAN-compliant radio units developed by VVDN Technologies and Lekha Wireless. The system demonstrated remarkable performance, managing downlink data rates of 600-700 Mbps and a latency of under 10 milliseconds on commercial mobile devices. Prominent figures such as Balan Gurumoorthy of FSID and Nikhil Agarwal of FITT have emphasized the importance of this collaboration in bridging the gap between academia and industry. They pointed out the initiative’s capacity to drive impactful innovation, thereby aiming for self-reliance in telecom infrastructure. Incorporating open-source technologies, the project is expected to create cost-effective and globally competitive systems that can effectively cater to domestic and international market needs. Kalai Selvan A from C-DAC highlighted the initiative’s potential to foster indigenous research and development, reducing dependence on proprietary technologies and encouraging collaboration among academic and industrial entities. The IOS-MCN agenda is heavily inclined towards helping India achieve self-reliance, while contributing robust solutions for global telecommunication infrastructures.

Future Impacts and Strategic Importance

The collaboration is poised to drive scalable and resilient mobile communication networks that can support a multitude of applications essential for future digital ecosystems. This approach underlines a dedication to innovation while promoting self-reliance, and bridging the academic-industrial capabilities to push the boundaries of telecom infrastructure. As mobile networks evolve rapidly, the resilience and adaptability of an open-source framework can offer significant advantages, allowing for flexible upgrades and customizable solutions based on changing needs. The focus on open-source technology also means greater transparency, collaborative improvements, and enhanced security features. This will be beneficial not only for Indian telecom operators but also for global entities looking for robust and cost-effective alternatives. The efforts towards developing a strong domestic 5G ecosystem will likely attract more investment, further accelerating growth and innovation in the telecom sector. As the initiative progresses, key areas such as regulatory compliance, spectrum management, and technical interoperability will require continued collaboration between the consortium and governmental bodies. By ensuring that all standards and regulatory requirements are met, IOS-MCN will contribute to creating a secure and efficient telecom environment that can handle the future’s demands.

Moving Ahead: Future Considerations and Strategic Outlook

India’s ambitious strides toward becoming a global telecommunications leader have achieved a significant milestone with the collaboration among several key institutions. The Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) at IISc Bengaluru, the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) have teamed up to develop and support an open-source codebase for 5G and future technologies like 5G-Advanced and 6G. Funded by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), this initiative is anchored on the Indian Open-Source Platform for end-to-end 5G Network (IOS-5GN). The project aims to transform the telecom industry by promoting domestic innovation and fostering self-reliance, marking a bold step in India’s technological advancement. This collaboration not only positions India at the forefront of next-generation telecom technology but also sets a strong example of public-private partnership in driving national progress.

Explore more

How Can Introverted Leaders Build a Strong Brand with AI?

This guide aims to equip introverted leaders with practical strategies to develop a powerful personal brand using AI tools like ChatGPT, especially in a professional world where visibility often equates to opportunity. It offers a step-by-step approach to crafting an authentic presence without compromising natural tendencies. By leveraging AI, introverted leaders can amplify their unique strengths, navigate branding challenges, and

Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus May Debut Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Chip

What if a smartphone could redefine performance in the mid-range segment with a chip so cutting-edge it hasn’t even been unveiled to the world? That’s the tantalizing rumor surrounding Xiaomi’s latest offering, the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, which might debut the unannounced Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, potentially setting a new standard for affordable power. This isn’t just another

Trend Analysis: Data-Driven Marketing Innovations

Imagine a world where marketers can predict not just what consumers might buy, but how often they’ll return, how loyal they’ll remain, and even which competing brands they might be tempted by—all with pinpoint accuracy. This isn’t a distant dream but a reality fueled by the explosive growth of data-driven marketing. In today’s hyper-competitive, consumer-centric landscape, leveraging vast troves of

Bankers Insurance Partners with Sapiens for Digital Growth

In an era where the insurance industry faces relentless pressure to adapt to technological advancements and shifting customer expectations, strategic partnerships are becoming a cornerstone for staying competitive. A notable collaboration has emerged between Bankers Insurance Group, a specialty commercial insurance carrier, and Sapiens International Corporation, a leader in SaaS-based software solutions. This alliance is set to redefine Bankers’ operational

SugarCRM Named to Constellation ShortList for Midmarket CRM

What if a single tool could redefine how mid-sized businesses connect with customers, streamline messy operations, and fuel steady growth in a cutthroat market, while also anticipating needs and guiding teams toward smarter decisions? Picture a platform that not only manages data but also transforms it into actionable insights. SugarCRM, a leader in intelligence-driven sales automation, has just been named