World’s First AI-Driven 5G Network Slicing Demo by Nokia, AWS, du & Orange

Nokia and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have unveiled what they call the industry’s first agentic AI-powered 5G-Advanced network slicing solution, showcased at MWC26 in Barcelona with operators du and Orange.

This breakthrough innovation inferences and leverages open Internet data, including traffic, events, locations, maps and operator data for network slicing business.

du and Orange first to explore this innovative slicing solution that adapts automatically to support customer demand.

Key Highlights

• Agentic AI integration: The system uses AI agents to continuously analyze real-world data such as traffic conditions, live events, weather, maps, and incidents.
• Adaptive slicing: This allows telecom operators to dynamically adjust network slices in real time, ensuring premium services that respond intelligently to changing conditions.
• Intent-based services: Enterprises can define service-level intents (like guaranteed latency or bandwidth), and the AI automatically tunes radio access network (RAN) policies to meet those requirements.
• Live deployment: du and Orange are the first operators to test this in their live 5G networks, demonstrating practical use cases for enterprise campuses and industry-specific applications.
• Business impact: The solution promises new revenue opportunities by enabling differentiated, premium connectivity services that adapt autonomously to customer demand.

This move positions Nokia and AWS at the forefront of AI-driven telecom innovation, competing with similar agentic AI initiatives from Ericsson and others.

Jio Leads in Real 5G Experience, Airtel Plays Catch-Up

Reliance Jio has successfully converted its wide 5G coverage into higher real-world usage compared to Bharti Airtel, largely due to its standalone (SA) 5G architecture, while Airtel’s non-standalone (NSA) setup still routes much traffic through 4G.

The finding is grounded in Opensignal's independent measurement of usage patterns and subscriber adoption data from FY25, showing Jio's SA rollout translates coverage into real-world usage more effectively than Airtel's NSA approach

Why Jio is Ahead in 5G Usage

• Architecture Difference
  • Reliance Jio: Uses standalone (SA) 5G, with a dedicated 5G core. This allows devices to fully utilize 5G speeds and latency improvements.
  • Bharti Airtel: Relies on non-standalone (NSA) 5G, which piggybacks on its 4G core. Devices may show a 5G signal, but much of the traffic still flows through 4G.
• Subscriber Numbers: As of Q4 FY25, Jio had ~191 million 5G subscribers, compared to Airtel’s ~135 million. That’s a 56 million user lead.
• Coverage vs. Experience
  • Jio dominates in coverage and availability, ensuring more users can access 5G consistently.
  • Airtel, however, often leads in download speeds and network experience, especially for video and gaming.

Comparison Table: Jio vs Airtel (5G Performance)

Metric	Reliance Jio	Bharti Airtel
5G Architecture	Standalone (SA)	Non-Standalone (NSA)
Subscribers (Q4 FY25)	~191 million	~135 million
Coverage	Wider PAN-India	Strong but less extensive
Conversion to Usage	Higher (direct 5G core)	Lower (traffic routed via 4G)
Download Speeds	Strong, >100 Mbps	Often faster than Jio
Video/Gaming Experience	Good, improving	Superior responsiveness
Network Reliability	Strong nationwide	Strong in urban clusters

Key Trade-offs & Risks

• For Jio Users: Broader coverage and more consistent 5G usage. But speeds may lag Airtel in certain regions, especially for high-performance tasks like gaming.
• For Airtel Users: Better peak speeds and experience in select areas. However, NSA architecture limits full 5G benefits, meaning users may not feel a dramatic difference from 4G.
• Market Implication: Jio’s aggressive SA rollout positions it as the mass-market leader in 5G adoption. Airtel’s strategy may appeal to premium users who prioritize speed and experience over sheer availability.

Tata Elxsi and Druid Software Unite to Deliver Integrated 4G/5G Core Solutions for Industry 4.0

Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, today announced a strategic partnership with Druid Software, a global leader in cellular network technology. This collaboration brings together end-to-end expertise in 5G networks, offering enterprises a powerful ecosystem to accelerate digital transformation through xG-Force, Tata Elxsi’s Lab-as-a-Service (LaaS) platform.

Built on open 3GPP standards, Druid’s Raemis™ private cellular core combines 4G & 5G core network functionality in a single consolidated solution offering customers an easy migration path from 4G to 5G technology. In addition, Raemis supports mission-critical services such as VoLTE, VoNR, and advanced multimedia applications through its fully integrated IMS architecture.

As part of xG-Force lab's continuing journey in building the ecosystem that brings the best together for Tata Elxsi’s customers, enterprises and CSPs can validate, test, and deploy these integrated 4G/5G solutions at scale, reducing time-to-market while ensuring performance, reliability, and security. It addresses critical use cases across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, utilities, healthcare, transportation, and smart campuses.

Through xG-Force LaaS, Tata Elxsi will develop and integrate 5G applications with its innovative platforms—Neuron for autonomous networks, TETHER for connected vehicles, TEngage for digital health, and TEDAx for big data engineering—to bring solutions in AI, next-gen communications and advanced technologies.

At the heart of the solution is Druid’s field-tested mature Raemis™ core network platform which can be deployed as a completely standalone 4G/5G core network at any critical location requiring secure, high-quality, private wireless coverage. With its built-in IMS layer, Raemis enables high-quality voice services and can be integrated via standard interfaces to MCC platforms supporting PTT, broadcast messaging and other advanced features. Beyond its flexible deployment options and multimedia capabilities, Raemis offers ease of installation & provisioning as well as centralized control. 

The joint solution enables enterprises to unlock Industry 4.0 applications including automotive, healthcare, IoT, AR/VR, digital twin, and mission-critical communications with guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS).

With Lab-as-a-Service, Tata Elxsi is enabling enterprises to de-risk and accelerate their 5G journey by testing, validating, and deploying future-ready networks. “Our collaboration with Druid Software ensures enterprises get the best of 5G core and IMS in an integrated, standards-compliant environment, said Priya S. Kumar — Head, Media & Communications, Tata Elxsi.

By combining our mature multigenerational 4G/5G core platform, with a built-in IMS layer, and Tata Elxsi’s Lab-as-a-Service, enterprises gain the confidence to deploy next-generation connectivity tailored for their most demanding use cases, said Sumit Gehani, VP of Sales, Druid Software.

About Tata Elxsi

Tata Elxsi is a global design and technology services company that helps customers across automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, media and telecom industries, reimagine their products and services through design thinking and the application of digital technologies. Tata Elxsi brings together industry-leading solutions and platforms and deep domain capabilities in 5G network design, automation, orchestration and digital engineering for global telcos and enterprises. Customers can leverage the 5G A3 Innovation Lab in Bangalore as a use case foundry for Applications, Automation and AI in 5G networks. visit www.tataelxsi.com

About Druid Software

Druid Software is a core cellular network software company based in Ireland. Founded in 2000, Druid has evolved into a global leader in private cellular network solutions for enterprise and public safety. Druid’s Raemis™ platform is a mature 4G/5G core network platform, with unique features designed for business-critical communications. Druid’s technology enables organizations to build and manage their own secure, reliable, and high-performance private networks.

Vi Launches 5G Services in Sonipat

Leading telecom operator Vi announced the launch of its 5G services in Sonipat, starting today. This expansion is part of Vi’s ongoing 5G rollout across 23 cities, in its 17 priority circles, where it has acquired 5G spectrum.

Earlier, Vi introduced 5G services in major cities including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, Mysuru, Chandigarh, Patna, Nagpur and Jaipur, as it continues to expand its 5G services to more customers across India.

Vi users in Sonipat with 5G-enabled devices can access Vi 5G services starting tomorrow. As an introductory offer, Vi is providing unlimited 5G data to users on plans starting from ₹299. Customers can enjoy high-definition streaming, gaming, video conferencing, faster downloads, and real-time cloud access.

Commenting on the launch, Rahul Joshi, Business Head –Punjab, Haryana, HP & JK, Vodafone Idea, said: “As we launch Vi 5G in Sonipat, we are excited to bring the future of connectivity to Haryana. With our next-gen 5G alongside our robust 4G services, we aim to provide more options and an enhanced experience to our users. We are committed to systematically expanding our 5G footprint across Haryana, in line with growing demand and 5G handset adoption.”

To ensure a superior 5G experience in Haryana, Vi has partnered with Nokia to deploy advanced, energy-efficient infrastructure and implemented AI-powered Self-Organizing Networks (SON) to automatically optimize network performance.

Since raising funds via Follow on Public Offer (FPO) last year, Vi has also significantly upgraded its 4G network in Haryana to deliver enhanced coverage, faster data speeds, and overall superior user experience. It has successfully deployed 900 MHz spectrum on 1700+ sites and doubled capacity on 1200+ sites from 5MHz to 10 MHz across key locations like Panipat, Sonipat, Bhiwani Rewari, Palwal, Jind, Sirsa, Hisar, Rohtak, Karnal, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Bahadurgarh and more. In addition, Vi has enhanced 2100 MHz spectrum capacity from 10 MHz to 15 MHz in over 1000 sites in Haryana. Vi has also installed 230+ new sites in the state. These upgrades underscore Vi’s commitment to delivering consistent and high-quality connectivity across urban and rural areas.

Vi remains committed to building a future-ready network that meets the evolving digital needs of consumers and businesses. For more details on availability, pricing, and supported devices, visit: https://www.myvi.in/5g-network

India’s New Telecom Policy (Draft) Targets 100% 4G, 90% 5G, and Global Tech Leadership by 2030

India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has just circulated its Draft National Telecom Policy 2025, a bold roadmap to transform the country into a global telecom powerhouse by 2030.

Key Missions of NTP-25

• Universal & Meaningful Connectivity
  • 100% 4G coverage and 90% 5G coverage by 2030
  • Fiber to all Gram Panchayats and 10 crore households
  • 1 million public Wi-Fi hotspots
  • Satellite and non-terrestrial networks for remote areas
• Fostering Innovation
  • India to be among top 10 global innovation hubs
  • 10% global share in 6G-related IPRs
  • 500 telecom-tech startups supported
  • 10 Centres of Excellence and an innovation-focused Section 8 company
• Promoting Domestic Manufacturing
  • 150% increase in domestic output
  • 50% import substitution
  • Telecom Manufacturing Zone and 30 advanced research labs
  • Indian Institute of Telecom Technology (IIT2)
• Secure & Trusted Networks
  • Quantum-resistant cryptography
  • Biometric-based user verification
  • AI-powered cyber threat monitoring
  • National Telecom SafeNet infrastructure
• Ease of Living & Doing Business
  • Simplified compliance and spectrum allocation
  • Infrastructure sharing and regulatory sandboxes
  • Faster grievance redressal and composite electricity billing
• Sustainable Development
  • 30% reduction in carbon footprint
  • 30% of telecom towers powered by renewable energy
  • Integration with Indian Carbon Market and robust e-waste management

Strategic Goals by 2030

Goal	Target
GDP Contribution	Double telecom sector’s share
Investment	₹1 lakh crore annually
Jobs	1 million new jobs
Broadband	100 million homes
R&D	Double public/private spending
Export	Double telecom product exports

Global Vision

• Become a global exporter of telecom technologies
• Shape international standards
• Deploy Indian telecom solutions in at least 10 countries
• Lead under the banner “Bharat – A Telecom Product Nation”

Vodafone Idea Launches 5G Commercial Service in Bengaluru with Samsung’s Versatile Solutions

Leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) today announced the commercial launch of 5G services by partnering with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Samsung) in Bengaluru region, one of the key telecom markets in India and a global IT hub known as the "Silicon Valley of India". Since 2024, the companies have been working together to deploy a new generation, 5G network and modernize Vi's legacy 2G and 4G networks with Samsung's industry-leading solutions in major telecom circles of India including Bihar, Karnataka and Punjab1.

As part of this collaboration, Vi had already launched 5G commercial services in Chandigarh and Patna in April 2025. Vi has successfully deployed Samsung’s small form-factor, energy-efficient and high transmit power radios for enabling a seamless 5G experience across all the three circles. These solutions offer increased cell capacity and energy savings features to deliver better consumer experience with greener and more sustainable approaches for Vi's customers.

For this deployment, Samsung provided its wide range of radios supporting diverse spectrum bands, including 32T32R Massive MIMO radios, along with Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions that encompass baseband and software functions known as the virtualized Central Unit (vCU).

The companies have also implemented the nation's first virtualized Base Station Controller (vBSC), a key network element for 2G services, thereby modernizing its network with cutting-edge software solutions while still ensuring legacy technology and services are supported.

Virtualization of network functionalities enable Vi to streamline network deployment and facilitate easier management, which results in greater efficiency, lower operational costs, better resource allocation control, and increased customer satisfaction. With this virtualization adoption, operators can build software-based and flexible networks more easily, gaining a competitive edge in bringing future networks.

Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea said: “The launch of Vi’s 5G services in Bengaluru as well as Chandigarh and Patna, marks a key step in introducing Samsung as a new partner in our ecosystem and towards delivering seamless, highly reliable next-generation services to our customers. By partnering with Samsung, our endeavor is to offer the best customer experience and provide our customers with enhanced mobile broadband throughputs and high capacity required in today’s digitally connected world.”

Woojune Kim, President and Head of Networks Business at Samsung Electronics said: “India, especially Bengaluru, stands at the forefront of the global digital transformation, and we are proud to accompany Vi’s innovative journey in delivering next-generation connectivity to its customers in one of the world's most dynamic and advanced IT markets. Samsung always thinks a step ahead, anticipating future needs of mobile operators. Through this collaboration, Samsung is fully committed in supporting Vi to satisfy the demands of mobile users and boost enterprise growth with our innovative spirits."

About Vodafone Idea

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service providers. The company holds a large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave spectrum in 16 circles. The Company provides Voice and Data services across 2G, 4G and 5G platforms and is expanding 5G services across 17 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the Company is committed to delivering delightful customer experiences and contributing towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company’s equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India.

Japan's Sharp Semiconductor Innovation, IIT Hyderabad and WiSig Networks Successfully Demonstrated Advanced Beyond 5G and 6G Technologies

• The initiative represents a strong partnership between Japanese and Indian institutions, blending academic research, industrial innovation, and international cooperation to advance global 6G standards.
• SSIC exhibited its advanced SDR technology at MWC25 in Barcelona, reinforcing its role as a leader in future wireless communication platforms.
• The collaboration aims to expand in the year 2026 to support advanced applications such as Fixed Wireless Access, Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk, V2X autonomous navigation, and satellite-compatible NB-IoT smart metering.
• The trials validated the interoperability of SSIC’s customizable Software-Defined Radio (SDR) SoC User Equipment with WiSig’s Open RAN base stations, confirming high-performance wireless connectivity comparable to commercial 5G systems.

Sharp Semiconductor Innovation Corporation (SSIC), The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) and WiSig Networks Private Limited (Startup incubated at IITH), have announced the successful completion of ground-breaking field demonstrations for advanced Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G technologies. This collaboration signifies a major advancement toward Japan and India’s shared vision of a digitally connected future.

The joint demonstrations, conducted at IITH Campus in Hyderabad, India, validated the performance and interoperability of SSIC’s flexible Software-Defined Radio (SDR) System-on-Chip (SoC) User Equipment (UE) and WiSig Networks’ Open RAN (O-RAN) base stations. The experiments showcased the compatibility and effectiveness of advanced communication terminals developed by Sharp Semiconductor Innovation Corporation in Japan.

Leveraging SSIC’s state-of-the-art ASUKA SDR-Box, equipped with a versatile communication SoC designed to support future communications protocols, the trials confirmed high-quality wireless connectivity and performance comparable to existing commercial 5G SoCs.

Prof. Kiran Kuchi, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH & founder of WiSig Networks (Startup incubated at IITH) and a prominent contributor to 5G and 6G global standards including 3GPP, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: "This initiative bridges academic excellence, industrial innovation, and international collaboration efforts, reinforcing the global partnership of India and Japan in next generation Wireless communications."

Toyofumi Horikawa from SSIC, who is a technical leader of development of the customizable SDR SoC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s outcomes: "The results from tests and experiments carried out at the IITH campus demonstrate the immense potential of customizable SDR SoC platforms in accelerating the development of future wireless technologies. SSIC also exhibited its advanced SDR technology at the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Barcelona. In 2026, we plan to further expand this collaboration for advanced communication protocol testing."

Prof. B S Murty, Director of IITH, remarked, "This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering international collaboration and driving innovation in wireless communication technologies, placing IITH at the forefront of technological breakthroughs."

The partners intend to deepen their collaborative efforts by focusing on advanced use cases such as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MC-PTT), Autonomous navigation (V2X), and Smart metering applications leveraging NB-IoT technology compatible with Satellite communications.

This Indo-Japanese collaboration exemplifies the potential for international partnerships to shape global standards and drive innovation in next-generation Wireless communications.

India Pioneers Open-Source 5G & 6G Platform, Ushering a New Era in Telecom Innovation

India has launched a major initiative to develop a production-grade open-source platform for 5G, 5G Advanced (5G-A), and 6G networks.

This effort is backed by seed funding from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) and is led by IISc Bengaluru's Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID), IIT Delhi's Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

The initiative is a unique approach compared to other countries, which have largely relied on proprietary solutions from major telecom vendors.

India is focusing on an open-source mobile network stack, fostering indigenous innovation and reducing reliance on proprietary solutions.

The initiative aims to create a fully open-source mobile network stack aligned with global standards such as 3GPP and Open RAN (O-RAN).

The project builds on the Indian Open-Source Platform for End-to-End 5G Network (IOS-5GN) and lays the foundation for the Indian Open-Source Platform for Mobile Communication Networks (IOS-MCN), a consortium aimed at fostering indigenous innovation across academia, industry, and startups.

A key milestone was achieved on January 31, 2025, when the consortium released IOS-MCN Agartala v0.1.0, which includes a 5G CORE, Open RAN-compliant radio access network software, and a service orchestration framework 12.

The system was successfully tested using Made-in-India ORAN-compliant radio units developed by VVDN and Lekha Wireless, achieving downlink speeds of 600-700 Mbps and latency under 10 milliseconds on commercial mobile devices.

This initiative is a significant step toward self-reliance in next-generation communication technologies, reducing reliance on proprietary solutions and fostering open, scalable, and resilient mobile communication networks.

With 961,000 base stations and 356 cities covered, China leads 5G innovation The country is heavily investing in 6G research.

India's open-source approach is distinct from the vendor-driven models seen in China, the US, and South Korea. While other nations focus on rapid deployment, India is prioritizing self-reliance, scalability, and innovation in mobile communication networks.

IG Drones’ ‘AgriDrone’ Solution Leveraging 5G Connectivity Wins Prestigious Hackathon by Govt of India

IG Drones Wins Prestigious 5G & Beyond Hackathon by Govt of India

• IG Drones, India’s First 5G drone maker is revolutionizing agriculture with its cutting-edge 5G technology. The company’s innovative product- AgriDrone delivers unparalleled capabilities, including rapid and reliable data transfer using 5G technology, real-time monitoring, analysis, and operational control from virtually anywhere.

IG Drones, India’s leading drone technology company, which has been using 5G technology through its innovative drone solutions, has achieved yet another milestone by winning the 5G & Beyond Hackathon 2024, organized by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. The hackathon, which is an esteemed initiative by the Government, is aimed at identifying and promoting innovative applications of 5G technology tailored for India. It witnessed participation from the country’s brightest minds and most forward-thinking companies. IG Drones’ ‘AgriDrone’ solution, leveraging 5G connectivity to address critical challenges in the agricultural sector, has set a new benchmark of using the 5G technology in this sector.

As India’s first 5G drone manufacturer, IG Drones showcased its AgriDrone solution at the hackathon, the results of which were announced in December 2024. The advanced drone delivers unparalleled capabilities using 5G technology, including rapid and reliable data transfer, real-time monitoring, analysis, and operational control from virtually anywhere.

At the heart of IG Drones’ achievement lies its commitment to leveraging 5G technology for groundbreaking advancements. 5G’s unparalleled speed, ultra-low latency, and high connectivity enable seamless data transmission, real-time decision-making, and remote operational control, redefining the way drones interact with cloud-based platforms. These capabilities have immense potential for industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management, enabling precise monitoring, rapid data analysis, and actionable insights from virtually anywhere.

Ashish Jena, Co-Founder & Chief of Products at IG Drones, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement: “Winning the 5G & Beyond Hackathon is a testament to IG Drones’ relentless pursuit of innovation. By integrating 5G technology into our AgriDrone solution, we are not only advancing agriculture but also setting new benchmarks for the drone industry. This accomplishment underscores our vision of leveraging cutting-edge technology to create scalable, impactful solutions that address real-world challenges.”

Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO of IG Drones, emphasized the broader implications of this success, adding, “As India’s first 5G drone maker, we are proud to pioneer technological advancements that drive progress in critical sectors like agriculture. This achievement highlights the potential of 5G to transform industries, and we are committed to leading this transformation. We extend our gratitude to the DoT for this platform and to our partners and team for their unwavering support and dedication.”

The AgriDrone’s enhanced communication capabilities ensure seamless data transmission, utilizing 5G’s high-speed connectivity to facilitate rapid and reliable data transfer between the drone and cloud-based platforms, enabling faster decision-making.

The integration of 5G technology allows for real-time monitoring of agricultural fields, offering precise insights and facilitating timely interventions. Additionally, farmers and operators can now control the drone’s functions remotely, ensuring operations are efficient and accessible from anywhere. This innovative approach addresses key issues such as crop health monitoring, pest control, and yield optimization, transforming the agricultural landscape in India.

The 5G & Beyond Hackathon aligns with the Government of India’s vision of fostering innovation and self-reliance in technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. IG Drones’ accomplishment not only underscores the transformative power of 5G but also positions the company as a leader in driving India’s technological advancements.

The India Drone Market is projected to grow from USD 654 Million in 2024 to USD 1,437 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 17.0% during the forecast period. When it comes to agriculture, drones are transforming the sector in India through innovations in crop monitoring, precision farming, and resource management. They enable early issue detection, efficient pesticide and fertilizer application, precise water usage, and livestock monitoring, while reducing farmers' exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, drones help minimize environmental impacts and lower input costs. Government initiatives, including subsidies, rental schemes, and training programs, further promote the adoption of agriculture, and empower farmers with advanced technology to boost productivity and sustainability. Notably, IG Drones has also established Centers of Excellence (COEs) across educational institutes like IIMs to provide drone related training and upskilling across sectors.

About IG Drones

Founded with a vision to revolutionize industries through drone technology, IG Drones is India’s leading drone manufacturing and solutions company. Known for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, IG Drones specializes in developing drones that address critical challenges across sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management.

Vodafone Idea Signs Rs 30,000 Cr Deal With Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung for 4G and 5G Network Equipment

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has signed a significant deal worth ₹30,000 crore (approximately $3.6 billion) with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung for network equipment.

This investment is part of Vi's larger ₹55,000 crore capital expenditure plan over the next three years, aimed at expanding 4G coverage and launching 5G in key markets.

The deal will help Vi increase its 4G population coverage from 1.03 billion to 1.2 billion and enhance its network capacity to support data growth. This move is expected to improve customer experience and support the company's growth in the competitive telecom market.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has ambitious plans for 5G. The Telco aim to launch 5G services in key markets across India as part of their broader network expansion strategy.

Vi has participated in spectrum auctions to acquire the necessary bandwidth for 5G services. They are focusing on acquiring spectrum in the mid-band and high-band frequencies, which are crucial for 5G deployment.

Recently, the Supreme Court of India rejected Vodafone Idea’s plea to reassess its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. This decision means that Vodafone Idea must pay nearly ₹70,000 crore in AGR dues. The court’s ruling has significant financial implications for the company, which is already struggling with high debt levels.

Following the decision, Vodafone Idea’s shares dropped by about 15%. The company has scheduled an urgent investor meeting to discuss the impact of this ruling and its future plans.

This ruling reinforces the obligation of telecom companies to pay their AGR dues as calculated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), without any reassessment.

Indian Govt Investing ₹450 Cr in One of Nokia's Largest R&D Labs

Nokia is set to establish the world's largest fixed network testbed in Chennai. This initiative involves an investment of about ₹450 crore by the central government of India, and will be one of Nokia's largest research and development (R&D) laboratories. The testbed will focus on developing next-generation networks, including 10G, 25G, 50G, and 100G passive optical networks.

The deal will be signed in San Francisco on Friday morning in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) M K Stalin, who is on a 17-day trip to the US to attract fresh investments.

This project is expected to create around 100 specialized jobs and will be located at the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu in Siruseri.

The testbed will facilitate the development of next-generation network technologies, such as 10G, 25G, 50G, and 100G passive optical networks. This can lead to advancements in network speed, reliability, and efficiency.

With an investment of ₹450 crore by India's Central Government, the project is expected to create around 100 specialized jobs, boosting local employment and contributing to the economic development of the region.

This development underscores Chennai's growing importance as a hub for technological innovation.

Several companies are investing in significant R&D facilities, similar to Nokia’s initiative in Chennai.

Microsoft has established multiple R&D centers in India, focusing on areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Intel has a major R&D presence in India, particularly in Bengaluru, where they work on semiconductor technology, AI, and IoT solutions. IBM’s R&D centers in India are involved in cutting-edge research in AI, quantum computing, and blockchain technology.

These investments highlight the growing importance of India as a hub for technological innovation and development.

Singapore's HTX to Leverage Cisco’s 5g-As-A-Service Solution to Enhance Public Security & Safety

• Cisco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore’s HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency).
• Both parties will collaborate in the research and development of 5G and AI technologies to digitally transform public safety, security and network operations in Singapore.

Network giant Cisco and HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency) recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pilot 5G and AI technologies to enhance Singapore’s homeland security. HTX Chief Executive Mr. Chan Tsan and Cisco Executive Vice President and General Manager, Cisco Networking Mr. Jonathan Davidson signed the MOU at a ceremony at Cisco’s global headquarters in San Jose, United States.

Cisco and HTX will collaborate on projects to improve the HTX’s 5G and AI capabilities. These projects aim to empower the Home Team to address evolving threats to public safety in Singapore.

The collaboration will leverage Cisco’s 5G-as-a-Service solution to develop and trial different 5G proofs-of-concept to improve public safety and security in Singapore. Both parties will also jointly innovate on AI security operations. Cisco will work with HTX to build a customised Security and Network Operations (AISecOps) platform that will be hosted on-premise alongside HTX’s domain data. This will enable HTX to harness the power of generative AI and identify and address advanced cyber threats with greater effectiveness.

HTX is the first organisation and agency from Singapore to sign a MOU under Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme.

About Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration Programme

Cisco’s CDA programme aims to stimulate global digitization. Currently, Cisco is working with national, state, and local governments in 50 countries around the world to accelerate their national digitization agendas, co-develop cutting-edge solutions, and deliver beneficial services to their citizens more effectively. Cisco’s CDA programs have supported the creation of net new jobs, promoted GDP growth, and helped nurture innovation ecosystems.

HTX is the Science and Technology agency in Singapore that integrates a diverse range of scientific and engineering capabilities to innovate and deliver transformative and operationally-ready solutions for homeland security. As a statutory board of the Ministry of Home Affairs, HTX works at the forefront of science and technology to empower Singapore’s frontline of security. The mission is to amplify, augment and accelerate the Home Team’s advantage and secure Singapore as the safest place on planet earth. Singapore’s Home Team Departments include Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Singapore Prison Service, Central Narcotics Bureau, etc.

South India's 1st 5G-Enabled Ambulance Service Launched by Gleneagles Hospital Kengeri and Medulance

Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri proudly announces the launch of South India's first 5G-enabled ambulance service in partnership with Medulance. This innovative deployment marks a significant milestone in emergency medical response, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide unparalleled patient care.

In the initial phase, five 5G-enabled ambulances is covering the immediate neighbourhood of the hospital, while the second phase will see an additional five ambulances extending coverage to neighbouring districts, further enhancing emergency response capabilities across the region.

The launch event was feature Sri Sri Prakashnath Swamiji, Managing Director, BGS & SJB Group of Institutions; Smt Anita B Haddannavar, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic West Division, Bengaluru City; Anurag Yadav, CEO, Gleneagles India; Biju Nair, CEO, Gleneagles Bengaluru Cluster; Ravjot Singh Arora, Co-founder and COO, Medulance; Pranav Bajaj, Co-founder and CEO, Medulance; and Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and Investor, Medulance.

The 5G-enabled ambulances are equipped with high-speed connectivity from Reliance Jio, enabling real-time, two-way audio and video communication. They also feature cameras and smart devices for high-definition footage transmission, along with Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems for critical medical interventions. These ambulances facilitate real-time streaming of patient health data to distant doctors and transmission of vital signs to emergency room dashboards. Additionally, they incorporate ambulance location tracking for efficient dispatch and navigation, as well as remote monitoring capabilities allowing doctors to guide paramedics.

With faster response times due to real-time data relay and monitoring, the ambulances reduce response times to less than 4 minutes in corporate settings. Patients benefit from real-time clinical assessment and immediate medical intervention during transit, along with remote assistance from doctors, enabling treatment during the commute. Effective use of the 'Golden Hour' and 'Platinum 10 Minutes' for critical care significantly improves survival rates in emergencies like heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, these ambulances enhance healthcare access in rural and remote areas and facilitate seamless data sharing with hospitals to prepare for incoming patients. The higher bandwidth and ultra-low latency of the 5G network ensure efficient data transfer, while integration with corporate wellness programs helps reduce healthcare costs and improve employee health outcomes.

Pranav Bajaj, Co-founder and CEO, Medulance, commented on the partnership, "Today, we mark a significant milestone in revolutionising emergency medical response. Our 5G-enabled ambulances, in partnership with Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, will set a new standard for patient care. With cutting-edge technology, we're bridging the gap between emergency and treatment, ensuring timely and informed care. This innovation is a testament to our commitment to saving lives and shaping the future of healthcare.”

Ravjot Singh Arora, Co-founder and COO, Medulance said,”The launch of 5G-enabled ambulances is a dream come true for us. We've always envisioned a future where technology meets healthcare to save lives. With this innovation, we're empowering paramedics, doctors, and patients to connect in real-time, making emergency response more efficient and effective. We're proud to be at the forefront of this revolution in healthcare."

Anurag Yadav, CEO, Gleneagles India, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to introduce the first 5G-enabled ambulance service in South India. This initiative is a part of our larger strategy to revolutionise emergency medical services across all Gleneagles hospitals, ensuring that we provide the highest level of care to our patients."

Biju Nair, CEO, Gleneagles Bengaluru Cluster, emphasised the hospital's commitment to excellence in emergency care, saying, "Achieving excellence in emergency care is a cornerstone of our mission at Gleneagles Bengaluru. The introduction of 5G-enabled ambulances is significantly enhancing our ability to provide immediate, high-quality medical intervention, setting a new standard for emergency response in the region."

This pioneering step reaffirms Gleneagles BGS Hospital's commitment to integrating advanced technology in healthcare, ensuring better outcomes for patients and setting new benchmarks in emergency medical services.

The Gleneagles Hospitals Bengaluru Cluster, an eminent duo of healthcare institutions that stand as pillars of medical excellence and compassionate care in the heart of Bengaluru. As integral parts of Gleneagles Healthcare India, aligned with the global reach and expertise of IHH Healthcare, these hospitals are a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional patient care, driven by a dedication to medical excellence, innovation, and patient-centricity.

Medulance is an innovative and first-of-its-kind integrated emergency healthcare service provider in the country that offers fast and reliable first-point medical attention. With an aim to save lives, Medulance responds to medical emergencies promptly, if and when they arise, in a manner that is quick, professional, and at par with international standards. Using its efficient dispatch technology and 5G-enabled smart ambulances, Medulance has been able to bring down the average response time from 45 minutes to under 11 minutes in some areas of Delhi. The platform can assist with over 6,000 calls daily. It also manages medical equipment and other consumables required in the ambulances along with the manpower (drivers and paramedics). Medulance strategically stations its ambulances at different locations identified based on emergency data. This data is recorded on parameters like the performance of the ambulance (including response time, calls per ambulance, dispatch time, etc) and the patient details such as Covid/non-Covid and other emergency condition necessities. To streamline the process and increase efficiency, such data is captured and analyzed daily.

The company has secured $3 million in Series A funding, led by Alkemi Growth Capital in 2024. It has received recognition for its innovative efforts, including the prestigious ‘National Start-up Award’ in 2022 and ‘Most Innovative 5G Use Case Deployed of the Year’ at the India Mobile Congress 2023 affirming the company’s impact and leadership in the healthcare sector.

Accenture to Acquire Italy's Fibermind to Strengthen Fiber and Mobile 5G Network Services

Accenture has recently announced its intent to acquire Fibermind, an Italy-based network services company. Fibermind specializes in deploying fiber and mobile 5G networks, as well as providing infrastructure engineering services. This strategic acquisition will enhance Accenture's capabilities in this domain and extend network services to clients across various industries, including telecommunications, utilities, and transportation.

Fibermind, headquartered in Rovigo, Italy, has over 20 years of experience serving public and private sector clients. It maintains strong relationships with national authorities, municipalities, and major mobile and fiber network operators in Italy.

The acquisition will bring more than 400 highly qualified professionals of Fibermind to Accenture Operations. Their expertise spans network design, permits management, technical office work, local directive project management office (PMO) tasks, network acceptance testing, network documentation, and home connection.

Accenture aims to strengthen its leadership in Italy's telecommunications network engineering services sector through this acquisition.

Together, Accenture and Fibermind will offer clients network engineering capabilities, deep industry knowledge, and technology assets powered by automation, robotics, data, and AI.

This move complements previous Accenture acquisitions in Europe, including Arca, AFD.TECH, and umlaut, all aimed at building the company's infrastructure engineering scale and capability for 5G and fiber in the region.

Nokia and Google Cloud Collaborate to Help Developers Worldwide Create 5G Applications Faster with Telco APIs

Nokia has expanded its collaboration with Google Cloud to empower developers worldwide in creating innovative 5G enterprise and consumer applications more efficiently.

This move enhances the developer experience by leveraging Google Cloud data and generative AI solutions, including Vertex AI and Gemini 1.5 Pro.

Nokia's "Network as Code" platform, which brings together telco networks, systems integrators, and software developers, will now run on Google Cloud. This platform accelerates the development of software applications that can utilize 5G and 4G network capabilities.

By leveraging Google Cloud's Vertex AI and Gemini 1.5 Pro, developers can easily consume AI in their applications and improve productivity with coding assistance agents.

The collaboration aims to target industry-specific use cases, starting with healthcare. This will help telehealth companies provide better and safer customer experiences.

Google Cloud's expansive developer community will benefit from standardized 5G network capabilities worldwide, exposed through Nokia's Network as Code platform. This provides technical tools for creating new applications.

Overall, this collaboration enhances the developer experience and promotes faster 5G application development across various sectors.

Nokia’s Network as Code platform with developer portal provides developers with software development kits (SDKs); network API documentation, a “sandbox” to create software code for use case simulation and testing; and code “snippets” that can be included in building new applications. The platform is based on a revenue share model between developers, operators, and Nokia.

Since its launch in September 2023, Nokia has signed collaboration agreements with 13 network operators and ecosystem partners in Europe, North America, and South America.

HCLTech To Set Up A HPE Private 5G Lab in Noida

HCLTech has entered a strategic global partnership with Athonet, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) company, to offer customized Private 5G solutions to enterprises across various industries, including communication services providers (CSPs).

As part of this collaboration, HCLTech plans to establish a dedicated HPE Private 5G lab in Noida, India. The lab will explore new use cases and demonstrate industrial applications of private 5G networks.

Leveraging its expertise in 5G, cloud, edge computing and digital transformation, HCLTech aims to help enterprises deploy and manage secure and high-speed private 5G networks based on Athonet's award-winning mobile core technology.

About the Athonet, it is an HPE company that specializes in providing advanced 5G Core Network solutions. Their 5G Core platform is designed for private mobile networks and offers several key features. The Athonet 5G Core is built on the proven track record of their LTE mobile core. It allows professional users to deploy sophisticated 5G networks with Wi-Fi-like simplicity, using any 5G radio from any vendor.

Athonet's 5G Core is critical for private cellular networks, connecting enterprise systems and applications to radios and devices. It enables advanced use cases such as augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), Industry 4.0, robotics, public safety, healthcare, and digital equity.

Besides HCLTech, Athonet has also partnered with Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi), an Indian Telco operator, to test 5G-based solutions for Industry 4.0 use cases. These trials explore applications in smart construction, smart warehousing, smart agriculture, and smart workplaces.

The establishment of the HPE Private 5G lab in Noida, India by HCL Technologies could have several positive impacts on businesses in India. The lab will serve as a hub for exploring new use cases and applications of private 5G networks. Businesses can collaborate with HCLTech to develop innovative solutions tailored to their specific needs. Industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and smart cities can benefit from customized private 5G networks.These networks can enhance automation, improve real-time communication, and enable IoT devices.

Private 5G networks offer better coverage, low latency, and high bandwidth. Businesses can deploy these networks within their premises to ensure reliable and secure connectivity for critical operations.

Early adopters of private 5G technology can gain a competitive edge. Businesses that leverage 5G for automation, remote monitoring, and data analytics may see increased efficiency and productivity.

The lab's focus on 5G, cloud, and edge computing aligns with India's digital transformation goals.

Tata Elxsi and Red Hat Collaborate for 5G Network Monetization for Telcos

Tata Elxsi, a global engineering and design services company, has joined forces with Red Hat, a leading provider of enterprise open-source solutions, to enhance network monetization for telecom companies and enterprises.

The collaboration aims to simplify operations in 5G networks by creating a use case factory. This factory will assist global operators in monetizing their networks through industry-specific 5G applications across various sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare. For instance, as the automotive industry increasingly adopts software-defined vehicles (SDV), there is a growing demand for real-time, secure over-the-air (OTA) updates and containerized services via 5G networks.

The collaboration enables telcos to address these needs using Tata Elxsi's connected vehicle platform (TETHER), network automation platform (NEURON), Red Hat OpenShift (powered by Kubernetes), and Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System. This integrated solution allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to deploy subscription-based services and platforms for connected vehicles with advanced fleet management features and real-time OTA capabilities.

By harnessing the synergy between Tata Elxsi NEURON and Red Hat OpenShift, telcos can achieve seamless automation, cloud integration, service orchestration, and robust assurance, leading to substantial operational expenditure reduction and enhanced efficiency in the telecom industry.

NEURON, Tata Elxsi’s award winning solution, streamlines the lifecycle management of network elements, offers end-to-end orchestration for network deployments, leverages AI-powered observability for proactive monitoring, and automates tasks for streamlined and secure network operations.

Vivek Tiwary, Vice President and Head of Telco 5G Business Tata Elxsi said “As we enter the era of 5G in automotive, healthcare, and Industry 4.0, telcos are at the forefront, crafting customer-centric services and embracing new technologies. This shift demands a move towards cloudification, multi-cloud adoption, intelligent cognitive network operations and automation. We are delighted to enable this transition alongside Red Hat, driving Telco 5G Multi Cloud Automation and edge intelligence to provide our clients with unique services.”

"Collaborating with Tata Elxsi, we are excited to leverage Red Hat OpenShift to provide telcos with enhanced monetization opportunities. This work is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive growth and efficiency in the telecom sector." Mark Longwell, director, telco and edge alliances, Red Hat. 

Nokia Invents Groundbreaking 'Immersive' Phone Call Technology for Future

Nokia's CEO, Pekka Lundmark, has made what's being touted as the world's first 'immersive' phone call. This groundbreaking call utilized a new Nokia-invented technology that enhances the call quality with immersive audio and video, providing a three-dimensional sound experience that makes interactions feel more life-like.

The call was enabled by the new Immersive Voice and Audio Services (IVAS) codec technology which is part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard. The IVAS codec allows consumers to hear sound spatially in real-time instead of today’s monophonic smartphone voice call experience. Lundmark demonstrated the distinctive acoustic dimensions that can be experienced with the new IVAS technology to Lindström while calling him from Nokia’s campus in Espoo.

The IVAS codec allows consumers to hear 3D spatial sound in real-time instead of today’s monophonic smartphone voice call experience. Nokia is a leading contributor to the IVAS codec which is part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard.

Innovation in immersive spatial communications also paves the way towards enhanced extended reality and metaverse applications.

This future technology is seen as a significant step in the evolution of phone calls, offering a massive improvement in call quality even on regular smartphones with 5G connectivity. It's an exciting development that could change how we experience voice calls in the future.

The immersive phone call technology developed by Nokia is not yet available to the public. It's part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard and Nokia intends to secure licensing opportunities to ensure wider availability. However, it is expected that this technology will take several years to become readily available to the general public. So, it seems we'll have to wait a bit longer to experience this innovative communication advancement.

Cisco and AT&T Announce New Hassle-Free Digital Buying Experience for Cisco’s Newest FWA Devices

AT&T and Cisco have announced a new initiative to streamline the deployment of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for businesses. This collaboration introduces a digital buying experience that simplifies the process for businesses to quickly extend connectivity across diverse campus and branch office environments.

The initiative features Cisco’s newest line of cellular gateways, the Meraki MG52 and MG52E, which are the first true-5G, Standalone (SA) capable, discreet FWA devices to offer cloud-managed eSIM technology powered by Cisco IoT Control Center¹. These devices are designed to be paired exclusively with an integrated wireless WAN service experience and zero-touch, instant-on provisioning from AT&T.

Businesses can benefit from:

• Increased operational efficiency with scalable and flexible management.
• Minimized downtime and disruptions with seamless, resilient network performance.
• Greater return on investment with long-lasting, durably designed FWA devices.
• The flexibility to deploy in difficult-to-reach locations.
• The ability to deploy branch sites within minutes with instant-on, built-in AT&T 5G connectivity.

With a complimentary 30-day introductory period, businesses can reduce deployment times for branch connectivity through self-service purchasing of AT&T data plans directly from the Cisco Meraki dashboard¹. This offer aims to help businesses lower operational costs, increase scalability, and accelerate provisioning of full-stack Cisco networks to "day-zero" operations. 

World's First 5G Communication from Near Stratosphere Using 38GHz Band Achieved by a Group of Japanese Tech Companies

A group of Japanese Companies including –SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, NTT DOCOMO, INC., the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), and Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Panasonic HD) have jointly announced a groundbreaking achievement — the world's first demonstration of 5G communication from an altitude of approximately 4km using the 38GHz band. This significant milestone represents a major step toward the realization of 5G communication from the stratosphere. The stratosphere extends from from 4 -12 miles (6-20 km) above the Earth's surface to around 31 miles (50 km).

A small Cessna aircraft, operated by Kyoritsu Air Survey Co., Ltd., was used to simulate the eventual deployment of High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS). The Cessna was equipped with newly developed communication equipment called the "Cessna onboard station", which is expected to be deployed in HAPS. Additionally, a lens-type antenna with an auto-tracking function served as the HAPS ground station.

 

The trial established an aerial relay backhaul line between the Cessna aircraft (flying at an altitude of approximately 4km) and three ground stations. The communication link utilized the 5G New Radio (NR) standard with 38GHz band radio waves.

Notably, this approach represents a novel use of terrestrial 5G networks.

The successful demonstration achieved multiple backhaul lines consisting of aerial relays using the 5G NR standard with 38GHz band radio waves, marking a world first in telecommunication technology. With 5G evolution underway and 6G implementation on the horizon, efforts to expand coverage areas are crucial.

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) using HAPS offer promising solutions for such expansions. The results from this demonstration will accelerate the practical application of HAPS networks.

The four organizations involved in this project remain committed to continuing their joint efforts, aiming for the early delivery of 5G connectivity from the stratosphere via NTN using HAPS. This achievement is part of a project focused on wireless communication systems using HAPS, led by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

This groundbreaking achievement opens up exciting possibilities for enhanced connectivity and communication in the future.