IIT Hyderabad (IITH) and WiSig Networks have jointly announced a maiden 5G data call using indigenously developed 5G open radio access network (O-RAN) technology. The call was made using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) capable base station that supports 100MHz bandwidth in the 3.3-3.5 GHz frequency band.
Commenting on the development, Dr Sai Dhiraj, principal scientist, WiSig, said, “WiSig announces a range of O-RAN compliant 5G infra solutions including small cells, massive MIMO macro cell distribution unit (DU) option 7.2x, integrated access backhaul (IAB) unit that support mmwave and sub 6 GHz frequency bands. These solutions and products are available for Indian wireless equipment manufacturers on licensing basis.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Kiran Kuchi, dean, research and development (R&D), IIT Hyderabad, said, “This is a watershed moment in indigenous 5G development. IIT Hyderabad and WiSig Networks have developed 5G wireless broadband technologies indigenously for the first time, thereby bringing India into the forefront for the 5G and beyond. Equipped with these capabilities, India can be self-reliant in designing and manufacturing wireless broadband equipment and play an increasingly important role in future generation technologies, products, and services.”
Also, Prof. B S Murty, director, IIT Hyderabad, thanked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for the support that led to the development of world-class 5G technologies to emerge from IIT Hyderabad. He mentioned that IIT Hyderabad and WiSig developed more than 100 5G patents and 15 of which are declared as 3GPP 5G standards essential patents (SEPS) to Telecommunication Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI).
Prof. Murty said, “Inventing and innovating in technology for humanity (IITH) is our mantra, and we expect WiSig to make India “Aatma Nirbhar” in the 5G space.”
