India Unveils 14 Indigenous Quantum Products to Fortify India's Communication Security

India’s telecom research body, C-DOT, has launched 14 new quantum technology products to make communication networks safer in the future. These products use advanced methods like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to protect phone calls, internet connections, and data from cyber threats that could come with powerful quantum computers.

The products include secure systems for mobile phones, video calls, wireless networks, enterprise networks, and defence communications. Some are designed for everyday use, like quantum-safe IP phones, while others are built for high-speed internet and defence-grade security.

In simple terms, this means India is preparing its communication systems to stay safe even when future computers become strong enough to break today’s encryption. It’s a big step towards self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and protecting citizens, businesses, and national security in the digital age.

Strengthening India’s Communication Security

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), under the Department of Telecommunications, unveiled 14 indigenous quantum products during its 43rd Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi. These innovations aim to secure India’s communication networks against emerging quantum-era threats.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems

• Q-AKSHAY CD: Compact fibre-based QKD system using Coherent One Way (COW) and Differential Phase Shift (DPS) protocols.
• Q-AKSHAY MD: Next-gen fibre-based QKD system based on Measurement Device Independent (MDI) protocol for enhanced security.

Critical Quantum Components

• C-SPD: Single-Photon Detector for quantum communication systems.
• C-RD: Wideband RF driver for modulators in quantum communication.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Solutions

• Q-SETU: Quantum-safe encryptor for Layer 3 communications, throughput up to 80 Mbps.
• Q-MAHASETU: Commercial-grade encryptor for Layer 2/3 networks, throughput up to 40 Gbps.
• Q-VIKRAM: Defence-grade encryptor with 1 Gbps throughput for sensitive communications.
• Q-AMOGH: Optical encryptor securing high-capacity links at 200 Gbps.
• Q-DARSHAN: Quantum-safe video IP phone.
• Q-VACHAN: In-line node upgrading existing IP phones with quantum security.
• Q-RAQSHAK: Enterprise network solution for quantum-safe communications.
• Q-VAAYU: Wireless point-to-point quantum-safe solution.
• Q-VAJRA1000: Quantum-safe access node for GPON and wireless radios.
• Q-PARAKRAM: Defence-grade encryptor with proprietary algorithms for strategic communications.

Strategic Significance

These products combine QKD technologies and NIST PQC algorithms to protect India’s communication infrastructure against threats posed by future quantum computers. They span enterprise, telecom, wireless, optical, and defence applications, reflecting India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in secure communications.

Leadership and Vision

The launch was presided over by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications, alongside other dignitaries. A booklet consolidating C-DOT’s indigenous quantum solutions was also released, showcasing India’s commitment to building future-ready communication technologies.

DoT Charts Direct-to-Device Satellite Future for Universal Connectivity

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is actively exploring Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite communication as part of its “Connectivity for All” vision, with recent workshops and consultations highlighting its potential for rural coverage, disaster management, and next-gen mobile integration. The move could reshape India’s telecom landscape by enabling mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without relying on cell towers.

Key Developments

• DoT Webinar & Workshop (April 2026): Hosted by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) in New Delhi, bringing together global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss D2D satellite futures.
• Focus Areas:
  • Disaster Management: Ensuring communication when terrestrial networks fail.
  • Rural & Remote Connectivity: Extending coverage to underserved regions.
  • Spectrum Policy: Debating whether D2D should use traditional satellite bands or share 4G/5G frequencies.
• Stakeholder Concerns: Telecom operators worry about competition if satellites use regular mobile spectrum, calling for a level playing field.

Comparative Context

Aspect	Traditional Mobile Networks	D2D Satellite Communication
Coverage	Limited to tower reach	Global, including remote areas
Disaster Resilience	Vulnerable to infrastructure damage	Independent of terrestrial networks
Spectrum Use	4G/5G licensed bands	Satellite bands or shared mobile spectrum
Cost & Infrastructure	High tower deployment costs	Lower ground infra, higher satellite investment
Industry Impact	Established telecom dominance	Potential disruption, new entrants

Risks & Challenges

• Spectrum Conflicts: Sharing frequencies with 4G/5G could cause interference.
• Regulatory Balance: Need for fair rules to avoid disadvantaging telecom operators.
• Cost to Consumers: Satellite-enabled devices may initially be more expensive.
• Global Precedent: Other countries (e.g., US, EU) are experimenting with D2D, but India must adapt frameworks to local needs.

Implications for India

• Rural Empowerment: Farmers, students, and healthcare workers in remote areas could gain reliable connectivity.
• Emergency Response: Faster disaster communication during floods, earthquakes, or cyclones.
• Digital Inclusion: Supports India’s broader digital economy and “Digital Bharat” initiatives.
• Strategic Autonomy: Reduces dependence on terrestrial infrastructure, aligning with national security goals.

Bottom Line: The DoT’s exploration of D2D satellite communication marks a pivotal step toward universal connectivity in India. If spectrum and regulatory hurdles are resolved, this technology could transform rural access, disaster resilience, and India’s digital future.

Zoom Expands Zoom Contact Center Capabilities in India with Native Phone Number Availability

Zoom has expanded its Zoom Contact Center in India by introducing native phone number availability across six major telecom circles, enabling businesses to deliver compliant, AI-powered customer experiences locally. This marks a significant step in strengthening Zoom’s footprint in India’s enterprise communications market.

In October 2024, Zoom launched its cloud phone solution with native numbers in Maharashtra, later expanding to other circles. Builds on that foundation, Zoom is extending capabilities to full omnichannel customer engagement with voice, video, and social media integration.  

Key Highlights of the Expansion

• Native India Phone Numbers: Available in Maharashtra (Pune), Tamil Nadu (Chennai), Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Karnataka (Bengaluru), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (Hyderabad)
• Regulatory Compliance: Operates under Zoom India’s pan-India Unified License from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
• AI-First Customer Experience: Integration of AI-driven tools for voice, video, and omnichannel support
• Global Reach: Complements Zoom Phone’s coverage in 50+ countries

Benefits for Indian Enterprises

• Seamless hybrid work support with local numbers
• Enhanced customer trust through compliance
• Scalable cloud contact center without heavy infrastructure
• AI-powered efficiency with automated routing and analytics

Comparison: Zoom Phone vs. Zoom Contact Center in India

Feature	Zoom Phone (India)	Zoom Contact Center (India)
Launch Date	Oct 2024	Apr 2026
Coverage	Maharashtra, later expanded to 6 circles	Six telecom circles (Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai)
Primary Use	Cloud phone solution for enterprises	AI-first omnichannel contact center
Regulatory License	DoT-approved cloud phone license	Pan-India Unified License (DoT)
Target Audience	Multinational corporations, hybrid workforce	Enterprises needing customer engagement solutions

Risks & Considerations

• Regulatory dependence on DoT licensing
• Strong competition from Genesys, Avaya, Freshworks
• Integration challenges with legacy systems

Strategic Outlook

• Zoom positions itself as a serious competitor in India’s enterprise communications and CX market
• Expansion enables globally integrated yet locally compliant services

BSNL to Roll Out Caller Name Service Nationwide by End of March 2026

Representational

BSNL is preparing to commercially launch its Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) service across India by March 31, 2026, with zone-wise testing underway and interoperability trials being conducted with Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. The service will display verified caller names directly on users’ screens, reducing reliance on third-party apps like Truecaller.

Key Highlights of BSNL’s CNAP Rollout

• Launch timeline: Expected pan-India availability by March 31, 2026.
• Technology partner: CNAP platform developed by C-DoT.
• Testing: Ongoing zone-wise integration and interoperability trials with private telcos (Jio, Airtel, e Idea).
• Data source: Caller names displayed using KYC-verified subscriber records.
• User control: CNAP will be enabled by default, with opt-out options available.

Why CNAP Matters

• Consumer protection: Helps combat spam, fraud, and phishing calls.
• Alternative to apps: Reduces dependence on third-party caller ID apps like Truecaller.
• Regulatory push: Supported by TRAI to improve transparency in mobile communication.
• Market impact: BSNL’s rollout could pressure private operators to accelerate adoption.

Comparison: CNAP vs. Truecaller

Feature	CNAP (BSNL)	Truecaller
Data source	Verified KYC records	Crowdsourced user data
Accuracy	High (official subscriber info)	Variable, sometimes inaccurate
Integration	Native, network-level	App-based, requires installation
Privacy	Controlled by telecom operators	Dependent on app permissions
Availability	Pan-India rollout by Mar 2026	Already widely available

Challenges Ahead

• Interoperability: Ensuring seamless caller name display across networks.
• Privacy concerns: Safeguarding subscriber information against misuse.
• Adoption by private telcos: Widespread adoption depends on cooperation from Jio, Airtel, and Vi.

Editorial Take

BSNL’s CNAP launch represents a strategic opportunity for the state-owned operator to regain relevance in India’s telecom market. By offering a trustworthy, network-level caller ID solution, BSNL could position itself as a leader in consumer protection and digital trust. If private telcos follow suit, CNAP may become a standard feature across Indian mobile networks, reshaping how users interact with unknown calls.

India’s First Phygital Service Hub Launched in MP

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has inaugurated India’s first integrated phygital service centre in Umri village, Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, under the Department of Telecommunications’ Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative. The centre combines physical and digital access to healthcare, education, agriculture, banking, and government services, marking a major step toward rural digital empowerment.

Key Highlights of the Launch

• Location: Umri village, Guna district, Madhya Pradesh
• Date of Launch: March 15, 2026
• Launched By: Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
• Initiative: Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot by the Department of Telecommunications
• Objective: To provide integrated access to essential services (healthcare, education, agriculture, banking, and government schemes) through a hybrid physical-digital model.

What “Phygital” Means Here

• Physical + Digital Integration: Villagers can walk into the centre for in-person assistance while simultaneously accessing online platforms.
• Service Coverage:
  • Healthcare: Telemedicine consultations, health awareness programs
  • Education: Digital learning modules, skill development courses
  • Agriculture: Online crop advisory, market price updates
  • Banking: Digital financial services, UPI-based transactions
  • Government Services: Access to schemes, certificates, and grievance redressal

Strategic Importance

• Digital Empowerment: Bridges the digital divide in rural India by offering both offline and online access.
• Holistic Development: Encourages rural communities to adopt digital tools while ensuring inclusivity for those less tech-savvy.
• Pilot Model: If successful, the initiative could be scaled across other districts and states, transforming rural service delivery nationwide.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Phygital Centres

Feature	Traditional Rural Centres	Phygital Service Centre
Service Access	Mostly physical, limited digital	Hybrid (physical + digital)
Healthcare	Local clinics only	Telemedicine + local support
Education	Schools, limited resources	Digital learning + skill hubs
Agriculture Support	Offline advisory	Real-time digital updates
Banking	Manual transactions	Digital payments, UPI, online banking
Government Services	Paper-based, slow	Online portals + assisted access

Challenges & Risks

• Digital Literacy Gap: Villagers may need training to fully benefit.
• Connectivity Issues: Reliable internet access is crucial for success.
• Scalability: Pilot success in Guna will determine feasibility for nationwide rollout.

This launch positions Guna as a testbed for rural digital transformation, with Scindia emphasizing that the initiative will “bring the world to Umri” by placing opportunities directly in villagers’ hands.

BSNL Powers Up with AI, Developing Indigenous Small Language Models

BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Robert J. Ravi, has confirmed that the state-run telecom operator is developing in-house small language models (SLMs) to strengthen its AI capabilities. The move is part of BSNL’s broader strategy to leverage artificial intelligence for network management, customer experience, and churn reduction.

Key Highlights

• AI-driven transformation: BSNL is banking on AI to optimize telecom solutions, improve service delivery, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• In-house SLMs: Instead of relying solely on external large language models, BSNL is building its own smaller, domain-specific models tailored for telecom operations.
• Strategic focus areas:
  • Network management – predictive maintenance, traffic optimization.
  • Customer experience – personalized support, faster resolution.
  • Churn reduction – analyzing usage patterns and proactively addressing customer concerns.
• Leadership vision: Ravi emphasized that AI workloads will dominate the telecom sector in the 5G era, making indigenous AI development critical for BSNL’s competitiveness.

This signals BSNL’s intent to position itself not just as a telecom provider but as a tech-driven enterprise, aligning with India’s push for indigenous AI stacks and digital sovereignty.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how BSNL’s Small Language Models (SLMs) differ from traditional Large Language Models (LLMs), and why this distinction matters in telecom:

Key Differences Between SLMs and LLMs

Aspect	Large Language Models (LLMs)	Small Language Models (SLMs)	Why BSNL Prefers SLMs
Scale	Billions of parameters, massive datasets	Fewer parameters, domain-specific training	Easier to train and deploy for telecom-specific tasks
Resource Needs	Require huge compute power, GPUs, cloud infrastructure	Lightweight, can run on local servers or edge devices	Cost-effective for a state-run telco with limited budgets
Speed & Efficiency	Slower inference, high latency	Faster response times, optimized for real-time tasks	Critical for customer support and network management
Generalization	Broad knowledge across domains	Narrow focus on telecom operations	Better accuracy for BSNL’s internal use cases
Deployment	Cloud-heavy, centralized	Edge-friendly, can be embedded in telecom infrastructure	Supports 5G rollout and localized AI workloads
Cost	Expensive to train and maintain	Lower training and operational costs	Aligns with BSNL’s need for affordable innovation

Why This Matters for BSNL

• Telecom-specific optimization: SLMs can be fine-tuned for tasks like predictive maintenance, call routing, and churn analysis.
• Digital sovereignty: Developing in-house models reduces dependence on foreign AI providers.
• Scalability in 5G era: Lightweight models can be deployed across BSNL’s vast network infrastructure without overwhelming resources.
• Customer experience: Faster, domain-specific AI responses improve support and reduce churn.

In short, BSNL’s SLMs are leaner, cheaper, and more focused, making them a strategic fit for telecom operations, whereas LLMs are powerful but resource-heavy and overly broad for BSNL’s needs.

Jio AI Stack: Building India’s AI Backbone

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani unveiled the Jio AI Stack, positioning it as a comprehensive framework to democratize artificial intelligence across healthcare, education, culture, and smart living. The stack is designed to integrate seamlessly with India’s expanding 5G infrastructure, enabling AI at scale.

Core Technical Components

Shri Akash Ambani, Chairman, Jio, showcases Jio's AI Stack and AI-led use cases across healthcare, education, culture, and wearable solutions to honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Jio AI Pavilion during the India AI Impact Summit 2026.#JioAtAISummit… pic.twitter.com/Kf4HFgSrHf

— Reliance Jio (@reliancejio) February 16, 2026

1. AI Cloud Infrastructure

• Jio AI Cloud provides scalable compute and storage for training and deploying large language models (LLMs).
• Optimized for Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity in AI adoption.
• Built on intent-driven architectures and Open Digital Architecture (ODA) principles, allowing modular integration for enterprises.

2. Edge Computing Layer

• AI workloads are distributed across edge nodes connected to Jio’s nationwide 5G network.
• Enables low-latency applications such as healthcare diagnostics and smart home automation.
• Supports real-time inference for consumer devices like JioFrames (smart glasses) and JioPC.

3. Data & Model Services

• Pre-trained domain-specific models for healthcare (Jio Arogya AI), education (Jio Shiksha), and cultural preservation (Jio Sanskriti AI).
• Integrated data pipelines for secure ingestion, annotation, and training.
• Focus on responsible AI with bias detection and explainability features.

4. Developer & Enterprise APIs

• Open APIs for startups and enterprises to build custom AI solutions.
• Supports intent-based networking, allowing businesses to automate workflows through natural language commands.

5. Consumer Integration Layer

• AI embedded into everyday devices:
• Jio AI Home for smart living.
• JioFrames for augmented reality experiences.
• AI-powered PCs for productivity.
• Designed to make AI ubiquitous in daily life, not just enterprise settings.

Strategic Significance

• National AI Infrastructure: Jio is positioning itself as India’s AI backbone, leveraging its telecom dominance to deliver AI at scale.
• Societal Alignment: By focusing on healthcare, education, and culture, Jio aligns AI adoption with India’s social priorities.
• Global Ambition: With leaders from 20 countries and 600 startups present at the summit, Jio is signaling its intent to be a global AI player.

C‑DOT Teams Up with Synergy Quantum to Safeguard Defence, Telecom, and Banking from Quantum Threats

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), India’s premier telecom R&D body under the Department of Telecommunications, has signed an agreement with Synergy Quantum India Private Limited to jointly develop a quantum vulnerability detection tool.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Scope: It targets sectors like defence, telecom, and banking, where future quantum computing capabilities could break existing encryption methods.
• Functionality: The automated system will scan cryptographic mechanisms, flag vulnerabilities, and distinguish between quantum-safe and quantum-vulnerable algorithms.
• Strategic Importance: This initiative is part of India’s broader push to strengthen cybersecurity preparedness against emerging quantum threats, ensuring resilience in national digital infrastructure.
• Outcome: The tool is expected to become a foundational capability for organizations preparing for next-generation cryptographic security.

Why It Matters

Quantum computers, once mature, could render today’s widely used encryption (like RSA and ECC) obsolete. By proactively identifying vulnerable algorithms, India is positioning itself to transition toward quantum-safe cryptography before such threats materialize.

Here’s a deeper look at the quantum vulnerability detection tool being developed by C-DOT and Synergy Quantum, along with a global analogy to similar initiatives:

About the Tool

• Automated Detection: Scans devices, networks, and infrastructure to identify cryptographic algorithms in use.
• Classification: Distinguishes between quantum‑safe and quantum‑vulnerable algorithms (e.g., RSA, ECC).
• Reporting: Flags vulnerabilities and provides actionable insights for migration to post‑quantum cryptography (PQC).
• Target Sectors: Defence, telecom, and banking — areas most at risk if quantum computers break classical encryption.
• Strategic Role: Serves as a foundational capability for India’s cybersecurity ecosystem, enabling proactive transition before quantum threats materialize.

Global Analogies

India’s move mirrors efforts in other regions where governments and companies are preparing for the post‑quantum era:

Region / Organization	Initiative	Focus
United States (NIST)	Post‑Quantum Cryptography Standardization Project	Developing global standards for quantum‑resistant algorithms.
European Union (PQCrypto, ETSI)	Quantum‑Safe Cryptography Working Groups	Researching migration strategies for telecom and finance sectors.
China	National Quantum Communication Network	Building secure quantum key distribution (QKD) infrastructure.
UK (Quantinuum, Cambridge Quantum)	Quantum cybersecurity solutions	Commercial tools for quantum‑safe encryption and migration.
Japan (NTT, Toshiba)	Quantum key distribution trials	Integrating QKD into telecom networks.

Strategic Implication

India’s tool is unique in its automated vulnerability detection approach, complementing global PQC standardization efforts. While the US and EU focus on algorithm development and standards, India is emphasizing practical detection and migration

About Synergy Quantum

Synergy Quantum is relatively a new company, which was established in December 2022, registered in New Delhi, India. The company's private limited company, classified under research and experimental development. Synergy Quantum specializes in quantum communication and cybersecurity solutions, with emphasis on post-quantum cryptography.

Notably, the founder of Synergy Quantum India Private Limited is Jay Oberai, who also serves as the company’s CEO. He has been prominently featured in discussions on India’s quantum sovereignty and cybersecurity, including recognition by the Forbes Technology Council for his role in advancing quantum‑safe solutions.

Oberoi, a Harvard University graduate, has been seed investor in Cambridge Quantum Computing (CQC), which later merged into Quantinuum (valued at over $10 billion). This positioned him at the forefront of quantum technology investment globally.

Jai Oberoi actively advises governments and institutions in the UK, Switzerland, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia on quantum strategy and digital infrastructure planning.

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 GSMA Collaborate to Deliver Enterprise-Ready Network APIs Under Open Gateway Framework

Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, and global mobile industry association, the GSMA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the GSMA Fusion initiative to help accelerate enterprise API adoption. The collaboration also includes a global Statement of Requirements which aims to help mobile operators unlock new revenue streams by monetizing their networks through standardized APIs, enabling enterprise-ready services across key industries such as automotive, industrial, healthcare, and entertainment.

The two organizations will first focus on supporting enterprise demand in the automotive and drone sectors for new digital services and applications that can benefit from standardized Quality on Demand (QoD) APIs and other relevant network APIs that are available and likely to become available soon.

Driving the Network Monetization agenda for Future ready Telcos

Network monetization is a core pillar of Tata Elxsi’s AI First Telco strategy, designed to help operators move beyond connectivity and capture high-value enterprise opportunities. According to a recent market forecast by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global network API market is projected to grow from $1.96 Billion in 2025 to $6.13 billion by 2030, driven by 5G adoption and enterprise digital transformation. This collaboration strategically positions Tata Elxsi to support operators in accelerating time-to-market for API-driven services, simplifying integration, and unlocking new monetization opportunities across multiple enterprise verticals and use cases.

Through its connection with Tata Elxsi, GSMA will help mobile operators in their delivery of scalable, programmable network services—such as QoD, location verification, and enhanced security—driven by regional and industry-specific enterprise needs. Leveraging GSMA’s Open Gateway framework and CAMARA-standardized APIs, Tata Elxsi will develop demand-driven use cases that utilize network APIs to address specific enterprise needs across key verticals.

In the automotive sector, use cases such as enhanced driver and cabin monitoring, rear-seat entertainment powered by QoD network APIs, location-based services, and KYC for passengers or drivers in shared mobility and fleet operations will be delivered to enterprise customers through Tata Elxsi’s Connected Digital Platform & Solutions, ensuring seamless integration and efficient consumption of network APIs.

Rajagopalan Rajappa, Chief Technology Officer – Communication Technologies & Platforms, Tata Elxsi, said, “This collaborative effort is a strategic offering to help telcos transform their value and value proposition for the future. By enabling operators to monetize their networks through standardized APIs, we help them unlock enterprise revenue with best-in-class integration, platform services and managed offerings from Tata Elxsi.”

Paresh Modi, Senior Director, GSMA Fusion, added: “We look forward to working with Tata Elxsi through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. Their deep enterprise knowledge and expertise in systems integration and software innovation will play an important role in accelerating the adoption of mobile network APIs. As the mobile industry opens up new network capabilities, companies like Tata Elxsi will be essential in helping us understand enterprise needs, unlock value and scale new digital services across sectors, from automotive to digital entertainment.”

Strategic Focus Areas Under the MoU

Enterprise Demand Generation: Tata Elxsi publishes a Global Statement of Requirement for operators to drive global adoption of standardized APIs.

Technical Enablement: Integration of Open Gateway certified CAMARA APIs into Tata Elxsi’s TETHER platform for seamless enterprise connectivity.

Go-to-Market Acceleration: Joint engagement with mobile operators, pilot programs, and awareness campaigns through GSMA platforms.

Commercial Models: Tata Elxsi will propose API consumption and monetization models for OEMs and Operators, creating sustainable revenue streams.

About Tata Elxsi

Tata Elxsi is a global leader in design and technology services, enabling enterprises to reimagine their products and services through digital transformation. With deep expertise in telecom, automotive, healthcare, and media, Tata Elxsi delivers cutting-edge solutions that combine design thinking with advanced engineering. For more information, visit tataelxsi.com.

About the GSMA

The GSMA is a global organization unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop, and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy; tackling today’s biggest societal challenges; underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work; and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.

Vodafone Idea May Get $6 Billion Lifeline from US Private Equity Giant TGH

Debt-laden telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi)may soon receive a crucial lifeline, with US-based private equity firm Tilman Global Holdings (TGH) reportedly in advanced discussions to invest up to $6 billion in the company.

According to people familiar with the matter, TGH has submitted a detailed proposal to the Indian government that links its investment to a restructuring of Vi’s massive liabilities, including spectrum and adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. The package, if approved, could mark one of the largest foreign private equity bets in India’s telecom sector.

A Lifeline for Vodafone Idea

Vodafone Idea, India’s third-largest telecom operator, has been struggling under a debt burden exceeding ₹2.1 lakh crore. Despite the government converting part of its dues into equity—making it the single largest shareholder with a 33% stake—the company has continued to face liquidity challenges, subscriber losses, and delays in rolling out 5G services.

Industry analysts say a multi-billion-dollar infusion could help Vi accelerate network upgrades, expand 4G coverage, and finally launch 5G services, allowing it to compete more effectively with rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.

What TGH Wants

Sources suggest that TGH is not looking for a passive role. The firm is expected to seek significant operational control in exchange for its investment, potentially reshaping Vi’s management and strategic direction.

The proposal reportedly includes:

• Equity infusion: $4–6 billion
• Debt restructuring: tied to government approval
• Operational oversight: to ensure turnaround execution

Strategic Stakes

• For Vodafone Idea: The deal could be a make-or-break moment, offering the capital needed to stabilize operations and regain market confidence.
• For TGH: The investment represents a bold bet on India’s fast-growing digital economy and rising data consumption.
• For the Government: Approving the package would safeguard competition in the telecom sector, but it also raises questions about foreign control in a critical industry.

What’s Next

The government’s response to TGH’s proposal will be decisive. If approved, the deal could be finalized in the coming months, potentially reshaping India’s telecom landscape. If talks collapse, however, Vodafone Idea may be forced to explore alternative funding routes—or risk further erosion of its already fragile market position.

National Telecom R&D and Skilling Hub Takes Shape in Jabalpur, MP As BSNL Ties With Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco & Nokia

BSNL has launched a major industry-led digital skilling initiative at its premier training institute, Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur, in collaboration with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia. Here's a breakdown of the initiative's scope, objectives, and impact:

This development is a step towards a broader plan by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT. Envisioned as an industry-led national hub, TIRTC will focus on developing telecom-specific R&D talent and a future-ready workforce — aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

TIRTC will also support product innovation, prototyping, and telecom entrepreneurship in the long term.

Initiative Overview

• Partners: Ericsson India, Qualcomm Technologies, Cisco Systems, Nokia Solutions and Networks India
• Location: Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur
• Focus Areas: 5G, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Networking
• Annual Training Goal: Over 2,000 students

Training Programs & Infrastructure

Partner	Contribution	Training Focus
Ericsson	5G Centre of Excellence + Ericsson Educate Program	Hands-on 5G training, global curriculum
Qualcomm	Qualcomm Institute + sponsored training for first 100 participants	Advanced 5G & AI, internships
Cisco	Cisco Networking Academy Program	Networking, cybersecurity, IT skills
Nokia	5G Centre of Excellence + AI/ML Lab + joint certification with BRBRAITT	5G radio/core networks, AI/ML

Strategic Goals

• Establish Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT
• Support national missions: Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, Startup India, Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Build a digitally enabled, job-ready youth workforce. 
• Position Jabalpur as a national hub for telecom R&D, innovation, and skilling

Launch & Leadership

• MoUs signed in New Delhi
• Attended by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal, BSNL leadership, and partner company representatives

ServiceNow and NVIDIA Launch Telco‑specific Generative AI Solutions

ServiceNow and NVIDIA expand relationship with introduction of telco-specific GenAI solutions to elevate service experiences

Built on the Now Platform, Now Assist for Telecommunications Service Management leverages NVIDIA AI to help boost agent productivity, speed time to resolution, and enhance time to value.

In a yet-another Telco-specific Generative AI thing, ServiceNow, an American software & digital workflow company, and NVIDIA have announced that they are broadening their relationship with the introduction of telco‑specific generative AI solutions to elevate service experiences.

The first solution, Now Assist for Telecommunications Service Management (TSM), is built on the Now Platform and uses NVIDIA AI to help boost agent productivity, speed time to resolution, and enhance customer experiences. As telcos look to reduce costs and uncover new business opportunities, they’re turning to AI and automation. In a survey from IDC, 73% of global telecommunications service providers identified AI/ML investments to support operations as their top transformation priority.1

Recently, SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, e& Group, Singtel and SoftBank Corp., announced their plans to establish a joint venture, which will develop Large Language Models (LLMs) specifically tailored to the needs of telecommunications companies (telcos).

Earlier this month, the GSMA and IBM announced the collaboration to support the adoption and skills of generative AI in the telecommunication industry through the launch of GSMA Advance's AI Training program and the GSMA Foundry Generative AI program.

In November last year, Amdocs and NVIDIA announced their collaborating to optimize LLMs to speed adoption of generative AI applications and services across the $1.7 trillion telecommunications and media Industries.

"GenAI is a game‑changer for telcos looking to boost productivity, improve customer experiences, and drive cost savings with its ability to learn and improve with each use,” said Rohit Batra, general manager and vice president for telecom, media, and tech at ServiceNow. “Together, ServiceNow and NVIDIA will help telcos realize unprecedented business value and impact, fast. This is just the beginning of a large‑scale transformation for the industry, and we’re excited to be at the forefront.”

“The telco industry is rapidly evolving as AI makes its mark on enterprises everywhere,” said Chris Penrose, global head of business development for telco at NVIDIA. “Our partnership with ServiceNow will help telcos leverage GenAI to tackle their unique challenges and build better, stronger, more efficient experiences.”

Many features within Now Assist are powered by ServiceNow fine‑tuned large language models, as well as served using NVIDIA Triton Inference Server™ and customized with NVIDIA NeMo™, both included with NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform for the development and deployment of production‑grade AI applications, including generative AI cutting‑edge innovation for business‑critical use cases, including:

• Customer Care: Telco customer service agents are expected to provide customers with accurate, fast support. GenAI‑powered chat summarization and agent assist capabilities help boost productivity and play a pivotal role in call deflection. GenAI can summarize case activity, work notes, and customer interactions, and guide agents with next best actions. This helps agents serve customers quickly and focus on complex queries that require personalized attention—leading to overall better customer experiences.
• Service Assurance: GenAI provides service assurance teams, stakeholders, and customers a streamlined and rapid understanding of incidents. Take a fiber cut, a common service assurance use case that can have problematic and financial consequences for telcos. Incident management teams face a slew of challenges when handling these incidents, dealing with technical data and the risk of misinterpretation due to specialized terminology and acronyms. GenAI helps decipher technical jargon, distill complex information into clear, concise summaries designed to speed time to resolution, drive cost savings, and improve customer experiences.

ServiceNow and NVIDIA plan to build out additional telco‑specific GenAI use cases based on the unique needs of customers. Together, the companies are working to solve the industry’s biggest challenges and drive business transformation for telcos globally.

Partnering for responsible and safe AI

The telco use cases are an extension of ServiceNow and NVIDIA’s partnership announced in May 2023.

1IDC, 2023 Telecommunications Service Provider Transformation Plans and Strategies Survey Highlights, Doc # US49352223, May 2023

Wipro and Nokia Launch Joint 5G Private Wireless Solution for Enterprises

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, today announced a joint private wireless solution with Nokia (NYSE: NOK), to help enterprises scale their digital transformation.

This joint solution will provide enterprises with a more secure 5G private wireless network solution integrated with their operation infrastructure. The solution will bring greater reliability, mobility, connectivity speed, real-time access to business insights, and the ability to process high volumes of data with low latency. Through a dedicated wireless network, enterprises will be able to create an integrated private environment they can control to better manage their performance and mitigate security risks.

The greater speed, reliability, and security this technology brings will enable enterprises to improve operational efficiencies with advanced AI-driven automation. This joint solution will initially be made available to customers in the manufacturing, energy, utilities, transportation, and sports entertainment industries.

Nokia will provide the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) and Modular Private Wireless (MPW) solutions inclusive of hardware and software. Wipro, with its state-of-the-art 5G Def-i with Industry DOT and OTNxt platforms, will offer strategic guidance and industry insights for effective integration into the enterprise environment.

Wipro will develop the architecture and design to best address clients’ unique business challenges, as well as implement and manage the end-to-end network to ensure business goals are met.

Jo Debecker, Global Head of Wipro FullStride Cloud, said, “In today’s digital world, data processing, accessibility and security are imperative. Traditional infrastructures are being stretched and performance is impacting business value and, in some cases, human lives through emerging areas such as remote-controlled robotic surgery. We are proud to partner with Nokia to address this pressing business need and to create a way for enterprises to leverage wireless private networks to digitize at speed and access real-time insights to realize their ambitions. By combining Nokia’s network expertise with Wipro’s strategic business, technology, and connectivity capabilities, we are enabling the promise of technology to drive impactful change and value.”

Stephan Litjens, Vice President of Enterprise Campus Edge Solutions, Nokia said, “Digital transformation is at the top of the enterprise agenda and enabling this is the driving force behind everything we do at Nokia. We are pleased to work with Wipro, a company that shares that vision, to provide a private secure 5G network solution that integrates seamlessly into enterprises' operation infrastructure and further scales their digital transformation. This partnership with Wipro will unlock new capabilities to help businesses in various sectors experience enhanced connectivity and AI-driven operational efficiencies, ushering them to the forefront of innovation.”

“This is a big step in Wipro Engineering Edge’s private 5G offering journey, which shows how Wipro continues to be at the forefront of innovation and connectivity with next-gen technology. The combined Wipro 5G Def-i, OTNxt and Industry DOT platforms will bond IT, OT and Nokia private network connectivity offering an end-to-end secure business operation solution to our customers. Working in collaboration with Nokia, we are excited to further fuel innovation for our customers in the market,” said Lourdes Charles, Vice President, 5G Connectivity Services, Wipro Engineering Edge.

In a First, Airtel to Offer Connectivity 35 Meters Below River Hooghly

Airtel to offer seamless connectivity to commuters in India’s first underwater metro in Kolkata

Becomes the first operator to enable connectivity, 35 meters below river Hooghly

Bharti Airtel, one of India's leading telecommunications service providers, today, announced its pioneering initiative to deliver uninterrupted connectivity to metro commuters by deploying high-capacity nodes 35 meters below river Hooghly. Airtel has invested in the infrastructure ahead of the actual commercial launch of service, which is expected soon. This makes Airtel the first operator to deliver seamless connectivity through the 4.8km stretch in Kolkata’s East – West Metro corridor connecting Howrah Maidan with the Esplanade.

To facilitate this transformative service, Airtel has connected the 4.8- km stretch between Howrah Maidan, Howrah Station, Mahakaran and Esplanade stations through fiber. High-capacity nodes at each of these stations have been deployed for seamless connectivity allowing commuters to enjoy blazing 5G speeds, uninterrupted voice calls and data transmission that enhance the daily commute experience and allow customers to stay connected and productive through their travel.

Ayan Sarkar, CEO – Bharti Airtel West Bengal and Odisha, said, “Airtel is committed to pushing boundaries to better serve its customers. This initiative to provide under-river tunnel connectivity will certainly make a difference to commuters where they will get to access to High-Definition video streaming, gaming, multiple chatting, instant uploading of photos and more, along with enjoying the scenic stretch below river Ganga".

India's first underwater metro is an engineering marvel connecting Howrah to Kolkata and will be thrown open to the public soon.

Last year in April, the Kolkata Metro's first underwater metro network made history when trains ran, on a trial, through the Hooghly River. The 520-meter stretch of the tracks goes through a tunnel under the river at a depth of 32 meters below water level. The tunnel is part of the East-West Metro Corridor, which is 10.8 kilometers long and 5.5 meters wide.

Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 500 Mn customers in 17 countries across South Asia and Africa. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second-largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband and Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data center services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and CPaaS (Airtel IQ). For more details visit www.airtel.com

Tech Mahindra and TOTSCo To Develop Messaging Platform for the UK Telecoms Industry

Built on state-of-the-art cloud architecture, the industry wide message-exchange platform enables the new one touch switch process for CSPs

Tech Mahindra, a leading provider of digital transformation, consulting, and business re-engineering services and solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with TOTSCo (The One Touch Switching Company Ltd) to design, build and operate a message-exchange platform for the UK telecom industry. The platform will be used by all UK retail communications service providers to enable the new one touch switch process for residential fixed broadband and voice services.

The platform is built with a state-of-the-art cloud-native architecture that ensures security, robustness, and scalability. This will allow consumers to switch telecom service providers seamlessly and take advantage of the range of services available. Easier switching allows end users to choose the best price and service as per their requirements.

Vikram Nair, President - EMEA Business, Tech Mahindra, said, “Ofcom has laid out a clear task for the communications industry to provide gainer-led, one-touch switching for residential customers. Through this strategic partnership, Tech Mahindra will develop an industry wide messaging platform, TOTSCo Hub, enabling customers to switch between communication providers seamlessly. The partnership will leverage Tech Mahindra's extensive telecom expertise, particularly in handling end-to-end switching services, alongside cutting-edge IT technology and services to establish a messaging platform.”

TOTSCo Hub will utilize Comviva’s BlueMarble Business Support System (BSS) platform and WSO2's API Management (Application Programming Interface) and Integration software for Communication Provider (CP) Management. Together, Tech Mahindra and TOTSCo will support the management of the platform which will facilitate easy integration of delivery and operations teams across multiple domains such as business, IT, infrastructure, and security.

Paul Bradbury, CEO, TOTSCo, said, “We are pleased to partner with Tech Mahindra to deliver a secure, robust, and reliable platform that will play a central role in UK residential fixed broadband and voice switching. We chose to partner with Tech Mahindra following a rigorous procurement exercise and I am confident that together we will deliver to industry the right solution at the right cost.”

Tech Mahindra is a chosen transformation partner for the global communications and connectivity industry, working with 40+ Communications Services Providers (CSPs) in the UK and Europe. The organisation is actively engaged with 70+ leading wireline, wireless, and broadband operators across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America.
About TOTSCo

TOTSCo is a not-for-profit member owned company established by the UK telecommunications industry to deliver switching processes for fixed broadband and voice services. The TOTSCo Hub is the name given to the messaging platform that will carry customer details and other required data and messages between gaining and losing providers.

Tech Mahindra offers innovative and customer-centric digital experiences, enabling enterprises, associates, and society to Rise for a more equal world, future readiness, and value creation. It is a USD 6.5+ billion organization with 146,000+ professionals across 90 countries helping 1250+ global customers, including Fortune 500 companies. It is focused on leveraging next-generation technologies including 5G, Metaverse, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and more, to enable end-to-end digital transformation for global customers. It is the first Indian company in the world to have been awarded the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Seal, which recognises global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future. It is the fastest growing brand globally in ‘brand value rank’ and among the top 7 IT brands globally in brand strength with AA+ rating. With its NXT.NOW™ framework, Tech Mahindra aims to enhance ‘Human Centric Experience’ for its ecosystem and drive collaborative disruption with synergies arising from a robust portfolio of companies. It aims at delivering tomorrow’s experiences today and believes that the ‘Future is Now’.

Tech Mahindra is part of the Mahindra Group, founded in 1945, one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260,000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology, and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate. The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise. 

Airtel Prepays ₹ 8,325 Crores To DoT To Clear High Cost Deferred Liabilities for Spectrum Acquired in 2015

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, has announced that it has prepaid Rs. 8,325 crores to the Department of Telecom (Government of India) towards part prepayment of the deferred liabilities pertaining to spectrum acquired in auction of year 2015 which were at an interest cost of 10%.

In March 2015, Bharti Airtel won spectrum worth Rs 29,129.08 crore in the auctions but had paid Rs 11,374.7 crore. The upfront amount due was Rs 7,832.20 crore.

Airtel has made two rounds of prepayments of Rs 8,815 crore and Rs 8,024 crore in March 2022 and end-July 2023, respectively, leveraging much lower-cost financing avenues available to cut annual interest payouts. Before that in December 2021, Airtel had cleared all dues relating to spectrum purchases in 2014, by prepaying Rs 15,519 crore to the telecom department.

Since the start of this year, Bharti Airtel stock has risen close to about 15%, reaching an all-time high.

About Airtel

Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 500 million customers in 17 countries across South Asia and Africa. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data center services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and cloud-based communication. For more details, visit www.airtel.com

Nokia Launches 6G Lab in India, To Collab with IISc /IITs for 6G Research

• The 6G Lab is milestone for Nokia in contributing to the ‘Bharat 6G Vision,’ which aims to position India as a key global contributor to the design, development and implementation of 6G technology; the project also highlights Nokia’s commitment to the Indian market.
• Nokia’s lab will be a platform for future collaboration for industry and academic stakeholders on 6G and facilitate the testing of new solutions while establishing their potential for commercialization.

Last week's Wednesday, Nokia announced that it has established a 6G Lab at its Global R&D center in Bengaluru, under 'Bharat 6G Vision,’ introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This first-of-its-kind project aims to accelerate the development of fundamental technologies and innovative use cases underpinned by 6G technology that will address the future needs of both industry and society.

The 6G Lab was inaugurated virtually by the Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & IT, Government of India, Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw.

In addition, Nokia is in the process of building research collaborations with premier research institutes in India like IISc/IITs to further scale up the 6G research initiative in India. Late last month, the IIT Kanpur announced its partnership with US-based InterDigital, Inc. for a bilateral research to develop 6G enabling technologies that impact future wireless standards.

Nokia’s 6G lab supports the Government of India’s ‘Bharat 6G Vision', that envisions a key global role for India in the standardization, development, and implementation of 6G technology. The Lab will function as a platform for collaboration for industry stakeholders and facilitate the testing of innovative solutions while establishing their potential for commercialization.

The Lab includes a setup to research ‘Network as a Sensor’ technology that enables the network to sense objects, people and movement without the need for on-board sensors. In the 6G era, ’Network as a Sensor’ has been identified as a key enabling technology that supports the vision of bringing the digital and physical worlds together. Sensing will be fully integrated into the wireless network and operate simultaneously with communication services. This has the potential to enable people to see around corners, gather information about their surroundings and even interact with objects at a distance. The Lab will also provide an experimental platform for researching algorithms, privacy, and sustainable system design.

Nokia is a pioneer in 6G work and is engaged in several global projects and regional initiatives with industry peers, customers, academia, and research institutions. This work aims to form a common view and direction for 6G, including 6G Hexa-X and Hexa-X-II, the first and second phase of the European 6G Flagship. Nokia is also a founding member of the Next G Alliance which is helping to drive the 6G ecosystem in North America and coordinating the German Lighthouse project 6G ANNA.

The Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & IT, Government of India, Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw, said: “The inauguration of the Nokia 6G research lab in Bengaluru today is another step towards PM Narendra Modi’s vision of making India an innovation hub. Interesting use cases coming out of this lab will be related to transportation safety, health care and education which will be another big contribution in the entire Digital India suite.”

Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer of Nokia, said: “Nokia is honored to contribute towards the realization of the Indian government’s ‘Bharat 6G vision’. We look forward to collaborating with key stakeholders to help India become a major player in 6G technology development and adoption; and take its place in the global arena as a leading developer and supplier of advanced telecom technologies and solutions.”

Nokia’s experts at its Bengaluru center will support India’s ambition to make notable contributions towards global 6G technology standards.

Former OpenAI Execs-Founded Anthropic Raises $100 Mn from S. Korea's Largest Telco To Build LLM for Telcos

Anthropic PBC, a US-based artificial intelligence startup and public-benefit corporation, founded by former members of OpenAI, has received investment of $100 million from South Korea's largest Telcom firm SK Telecom.

This follows the previous investment from SK Telecom Venture Capital (SKTVC), the Silicon Valley-based venture capital arm of SK Telecom.

SK Telecom has entered into a partnership agreement with Anthropic to build a large language model (LLM) customized for telcos.

Under the partnership agreement, SK Telecom and Anthropic will jointly develop a multilingual LLM that supports languages, including Korean, English, German, Japanese, Arabic and Spanish.

SK Telecom and Anthropic will work together to bring the multilingual LLM to the Telco AI Platform currently being built by the Global Telco AI Alliance.

In May this year, Anthropic had raised $450 million from investors including Alphabet Inc's Google and Spark Capital. As of July 2023, Anthropic had raised $1.5 billion in Funding.

Founded in 2021 by CEO Dario Amodei and his sister Daniela, former employees of the senior team at OpenAI, Anthropic describes itself as “dedicated to building AI systems that people can rely on and generating research about the opportunities and risks of AI”.

Anthropic differ from OpenAI as — while OpenAI uses reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) to improve safety and reduce harm, Anthropic employs reinforcement learning from AI feedback (RLAIF). The feedback, where one AI model corrects another, is based on a “list of rules or principles,” or what Anthropic calls “Constitutional AI.”

In A Communication Industry Breakthrough, IIT Kanpur Introduces ‘Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas' Compact in Size to Fit in PCBs

• The novel technology, ‘Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas’ has been granted Indian Patent No. 431872 for having unique applications in the communication industry.
• In comparison to the existing bulky 3D knot antennas available in the market, this tri-polarized antenna is a unique technology that is compact in size and can be easily fitted in PCBs, occupying less space.
• This technology that can produce both omnidirectional and directional patterns can benefit telecommunication, healthcare, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, and other markets.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) announces the development of 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas,' which can be a breakthrough for the communication industry. It has been developed with the collaborative efforts of Mr. Saurabh Shukla (Ph.D. Student) and Prof. Ayyangar Ranganath Harish from the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Kanpur. The novel invention has been granted Indian Patent No. 431872 for having unique applications in the communication industry.

The increasing utilization of wireless systems, wireless communications, and the rising adoption of antenna in consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, wearables, tablets and other devices are expected to drive the antenna market over the coming years. Moreover, a significant rise in the need for smart antennas as a result of technological advancements in this segment is expected to provide a boost to the market. IIT Kanpur’s invention can be a great addition to this growing segment.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director of IIT Kanpur, said, “This is a significant development in technology and has far reaching implications for India’s communication and other industries. The technology showcases the ingenuity and expertise of our researchers at IIT Kanpur. Its capability to produce both omnidirectional and directional patterns gives it an edge over the market alternatives. We believe that this invention will revolutionize the way antennas are used in a wide range of applications, contributing to the advancement of wireless systems and meeting the growing demand for smart antennas.”

The 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas' marks an important advancement in the communication industry by offering unique applications. This innovative structure can produce both omnidirectional (which radiates and receives energy 360° in the horizontal plane around the antenna) as well as directional patterns (which radiates and receives wave power in a specific direction), providing exceptional versatility for various end-users. The market segments that stand to benefit from this technology include telecommunication, healthcare, consumer electronics, aerospace, defense, and more.

The growing utilization of wireless systems and communications, and RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags to serve security purposes and wireless computer networks, coupled with the rising adoption of antennas in various consumer electronics, is expected to drive the antenna market in the coming years. The advent of 5G technology and the focus on developing PCB (printed circuit boards), LCP (liquid crystalline polymers) and MPI (modified polyimide) solutions further contribute to the anticipated growth.

The 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas' technology presents an antenna that finds unique applications in WIFI, WLAN, RFID, indoor communication systems, radar systems, and more. Compared to existing bulky 3D knot antennas available in the market, this invention offers a compact and cost-effective solution that can be easily integrated into PCBs, occupying less space.

While the market potential is promising, there are certain challenges to overcome, including manufacturing costs and the bulky structure of traditional antennas. However, the 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas' address these limitations, providing a practical and efficient alternative.

With the successful development of the 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas' and the grant of the Indian Patent, IIT Kanpur reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology.

About IIT Kanpur:

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur was established on 2nd November 1959 by an Act of Parliament. The institute has a sprawling campus spread over 1055 acres with large pool of academic and research resources spanning across 19 departments, 22 centres, and 3 Interdisciplinary programs in engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines with 540 full-time faculty members and approximately 9000 students. In addition to formal undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the institute has been active in research and development in areas of value to both industry and government. For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in