In India, there is proposed 5G roll out. The model used for this roll-out is open RAN or a system integrator model. RAN reduces costs and enhances productivity. O-RAN will also offer a plethora of cloud delivered services to enterprises and end users.

RAN or radio access network includes base station and antennas. These account for major chunk of cost. Since it is open network, telecoms can diversify supply chains. There is interoperability and agility. The use of open or virtualised radio networks reduce costs and enhance productivity.

RAN technology is yet to be tested fully. 5G is going to be software driven and open RAN gives much more flexibility to an operator to plan its network.

Bharti Airtel collaborates with TCS to implement 5G open RAN solution for roll-out. Reliance Jio is testing a home-made 5G solution.

5G or fifth generation wireless technology has an incredible transmission speed, say a whopping 1 gb. 5G technology to sustain itself uses base stations and towers which require uninterrupted power. There are two methods to do it — the use of diesel gensets or captive power plants. There should be investment in more power supply or sufficient power back up.