STL joins forces with Facebook for 5G network development

STL will be the first Indian company to work with Facebook’s Evenstar Program on Open-RAN radio systems

Sterlite Technologies Ltd. (STL), a firm specializing in end-to-end data network solutions, has announced its collaboration with Facebook to produce radio components and expand its foothold in the worldwide 5G open-source network industry. STL is the first Indian startup to supply Open-RAN radio solutions through Facebook's Evenstar Program.

Facebook Connectivity intends to strengthen global network infrastructure for companies such as Vodafone, Mavenir, Deutsche Telekom, and others. Its Evenstar initiative is primarily focused on developing general-purpose RAN orientation designs for 4G/5G networks that are consistent with 3GPP and Open-RAN specifications.

Open-RAN solutions have gained traction in the ongoing 5G network rollout, with the intent of developing vendor-neutral disaggregated network solutions based on the Open-RAN universal network standard.

STL's approach to this partnership is developing an Open-RAN compatible radio that will provide increased capacity for dense deployments. As part of this agreement, STL will also build an Open-RAN compatible 4G+5G Dual Technology Radio that supports both technologies independently and/or cooperatively.

Over the next year, these 3GPP and Open-RAN compliant radio solutions will allow telecom operators worldwide to scale up to commercial open networking infrastructure deployments and prepare their networks for Open RAN 5G.

Director of Wireless Engineering for Facebook Connectivity, Jaydeep Ranade comments that “they are pleased to have STL on board the Evenstar program, which is part of its effort to accelerate the availability and commercial readiness of Open RAN technologies”.

“Facebook Connectivity is excited to continue working with STL to move the industry toward open, disaggregated, and vendor-agnostic 5G networks."

CEO of Access Solutions Business, STL, Chris Rice added that they are enabling comprehensive telecom service providers to bring the potential of 5G technology to billions of people around the world at lower cost points by enabling an open networking architecture through projects like this one.

Source Credit - https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/stl-facebook-to-collaborate-for-5g-network-development/article35709189.ece