IMC 2017: Sterlite launches 5G ready smarter network technology

NEW DELHI: At India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2017, Optical fibre maker Sterlite Tech said that it has launched a high-speed 5G ready network solution named FlashFWD.

The three days event kicked off at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi today.

Globally, as data consumption continues to grow exponentially, there is a need for new, dense networks that enable extremely high data speeds and low response times. 5G is expected to generate about eight times more data traffic than an average 4G connection, with 15 per cent global population expected to have 5G subscriptions by 2021-22.

In India too, applications such as Aadhar-based e-payments, e-authentication and e-commerce are growing manifold, transforming the everyday living of citizens. Enabling these emerging demand trends, Sterlite Tech today launched its innovative 5G ready network solution FlashFWD which has the highest fibre density in the most compact cable package possible.

Unveiled by Shyam Mardikar, CTO, Mobile Networks, Airtel, the new FlashFWD 5G Series solution features multi-tube single jacket ribbon optical fibre cable that combines robust performance for duct or direct buried installations, with productivity of high-count mass fusion splicing. Highlighting this advancement during the launch, Mardikar said, “It is great to see a new high-tech solution developed in India. Sterlite Tech is doing a great job in getting the country ready for the digital revolution. 5G-readiness in India is as much about radio as about the network backhaul. As long as we are doing everything right to get the network to that level, we will be able to achieve big 5G success.”

Highlighting the breakthrough technology launch, Dr. Anand Agarwal, CEO, Sterlite Tech, said, “We are excited to be a part of the digital revolution that is taking place globally. Positive shifts in technology, national policies and consumption patterns are creating an environment of immense optimism. These advanced technologies are touching everyday lives of people across cities and villages by providing more accessible healthcare, financial inclusion, education, utilities, smart agriculture and other critical services. We are happy to bring our indigenously developed 5G Ready FlashFWD solution that will enable data intensive low-latency solutions such as Cloud Computing, Augmented Reality, Driverless Cars, IoT and much more.”

The solution comes in two variants FlashFWD 864F ribbon cable with six tubes and FlashFWD 1152F ribbon cable with eight tubes – the technology proves to be an outstanding solution for high-growth, high-bandwidth demands of data centres, equipment connections with cabinets and outside plant applications.

Sharing the benefits of the new technology, Dr. Badri Gomatam, CTO, Sterlite Tech, said, “Many of our customers across North America, Middle East and India were asking for high fibre counts to transition their network from 3G/4G to 5G. Given the need for extremely high bandwidth and low latency, our technology is disruptive as it moves from loose tube to higher fibre count ribbon cable for 5G networks. With special low-bend sensitivity, the cable provides high bandwidth and the lowest ribbon-cabled fibre loss.”

This revolutionary cable category, with over 50 times the capacity of the typical cable deployed in India, is NABL certified and complies with the latest global standards of IEC.60794 series, ANSI/ICEA S-87-640, Telcordia GR-20, ITU-T Recommendations, and is CPR approved for LSZH versions.

Sterlite Tech is also showcasing power-packed live demonstrations across two themes during IMC 2017 at its Booth 58, Hall 11. Transforming Cities features integrated smart city simulations with smart environment, clean water, Wi-Fi, video analytics, virtual reality, FTTH 4K demo, IoT and LoRa-based architecture, while Transforming Villages demonstrates key offerings for BharatNet, rural governance kiosks, e-health and e-education.