AI Touch LLP has been awarded funding under the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) Telecommunications Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of USOF (now Digital Bharat Nidhi). AI Touch will develop components for disaggregated 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) including RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), and Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) modules, Ministry of Communications said on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
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Strengthening India's 5G Ecosystem
The project aims to develop a platform integrating SMO, RIC, and NWDAF modules for 5G RAN with an AI/ML-powered intent engine. It facilitates intelligent and automated control of RAN and Core nodes through AI/ML-based applications and closed-loop automation. The platform will demonstrate a sample application for managing user experience during congestion scenarios and provide interfaces for onboarding third-party applications, according to the Ministry.
The platform will integrate Non-Real-Time RIC, Near-Real-Time RIC, SMO, and NWDAF to enhance network automation and performance. The RIC modules will support AI/ML-driven network optimisation, SMO will enable cross-domain orchestration, and NWDAF will provide analytics and insights for better decision-making.
According to the official release, these solutions will bring operational efficiency to the 5G network. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the telecom R&D centre under the DoT, Government of India, will oversee the implementation of the project.
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Impact on the Telecom Sector
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, stated, "C-DOT, as the implementation partner, will ensure that the project adheres to the highest standards of technological development. By facilitating collaboration between industry leaders like AI Touch, we are enabling the creation of indigenous solutions that will strengthen India’s telecom ecosystem."
Parag Agarwal, DDG of TTDF, stated "Through the TTDF scheme, we are fostering innovation in India’s telecom sector. This project by AI Touch will not only drive AI-driven advancements but also lay the foundation for a self-reliant 5G ecosystem."
Amit Gupta, Partner at AI Touch, said, "At AI Touch, our focus is on leveraging AI and ML to create advanced analytics and intelligent models. In this project, we are leading the development of predictive capabilities and automation frameworks within RIC and NWDAF, ensuring the platform is equipped to handle complex network challenges with accuracy."
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The project is expected to deliver solutions that reduce operational complexities, improve cost efficiency for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and support new applications in the telecom sector. It aims to contribute to the development of an indigenous 5G ecosystem and lay the groundwork for future advancements, the DoT said.
