In a significant advancement for India’s telecommunications sector, AI Touch LLP has secured funding from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under its rebranded Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), now known as the Digital Bharat Nidhi. This grant is earmarked for the development of state-of-the-art components designed for a disaggregated 5G Radio Access Network (RAN).
The project aims to produce an innovative platform that integrates key components such as the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), and Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF). This integrated platform will be powered by an AI and machine learning (ML) driven intent engine, facilitating intelligent and automated governance of both 5G RAN and Core nodes. The platform is particularly designed to demonstrate AI-enhanced applications that manage user experiences during periods of network congestion while providing a robust interface for the integration of third-party applications.
Further elaborating on the components, the RIC modules will be focused on AI and ML-based network optimisation, while the SMO will oversee cross-domain orchestration. The NWDAF will serve the critical role of data analytics, thereby informing more effective decision-making processes. Ultimately, these elements are projected to streamline operations within 5G networks, diminish complexities, and enhance cost efficiency for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), which is India’s premier telecom research and development organisation and operates under the aegis of the DoT, is tasked with overseeing the execution of this project. Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, emphasised the importance of this initiative by stating, “By facilitating collaboration between industry leaders like AI Touch, we are enabling the creation of indigenous solutions that will strengthen India’s telecom ecosystem.”
Dr. Parag Agarwal, Deputy Director General of TTDF, also underscored the project’s implications for the future, asserting, “This project by AI Touch not only drives AI-driven advancements but also lays the foundation for a self-reliant 5G ecosystem. Through the TTDF scheme, we are fostering innovation in India’s telecom sector.”
Amit Gupta, a partner at AI Touch, highlighted the transformative potential of the venture, expressing, “Our focus is on leveraging AI and ML to create predictive capabilities and automation frameworks within RIC and NWDAF. This ensures that the platform is equipped to handle complex network challenges with accuracy.”
The anticipated outcomes of this project are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s indigenous 5G ecosystem. By enabling MNOs to manage their networks with greater efficiency and reduced operational costs, the initiative supports the deployment of emerging telecom applications.
The overarching goal aligns with India’s agenda for technological self-reliance alongside innovation-driven growth within the telecommunications landscape. This project consequently reinforces the TTDF's position as a crucial catalyst for advancing telecom technology, reaffirming India’s capability to deliver world-class AI-driven solutions for next-generation networks.
Source: Noah Wire Services