As 2024 comes to a close, the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) celebrates another year of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Through our global community, we have made substantial progress toward building open, scalable, and AI-powered networks that meet the demands of an evolving telecom landscape.

This year marked significant changes in TIP’s governance structure, introducing new leadership to guide the organization’s mission.

• Rob Soni, Vice President of RAN Technology at AT&T, assumed the role of TIP Board Chair, while Caroline Chan, Vice President and GM of the 5G Infrastructure Division at Intel, took on the role of TIP President.  TIP’s Board Chair and President roles had previously been held by Santiago (Yago) Tenorio, now Chief Technology Officer and SVP of Strategy and Technology Enablement at Verizon.  TIP thanks Yago for his years of service and expertise and looks forward to Rob’s and Caroline’s vision for the future of TIP.
• Their leadership brings deep expertise and renewed momentum to TIP, driving TIP’s technology strategy and ensuring alignment with industry needs, particularly in open and interoperable network adoption across global markets.

Key 2024 milestones include:

• The launch of two new Project Groups—Neutral Host and Shared Infrastructure (NHIS) and TelcoAI—to address evolving market needs.
• Across existing groups, OpenRAN, OpenLAN, and Open Optical & Packet Transport (OOPT), the community achieved significant progress with rechartered initiatives, new test plans, deployment-ready blueprints, and commercial deployment of GA TIP-certified solutions.
• TIP issued 40+ badges to Participant Organizations, recognizing their contributions to interoperability and solution validation.
• An updated membership model was introduced, streamlining engagement and supporting a growing community of active 800+ contributors from more than 180 organizations.
• Regional partnerships saw increased collaboration, with government-backed initiatives such as ARI 5G and ARIANE in the UK and trialing rural Open RAN use cases in Indonesia, driving impactful programs.
• Graduated OpenAFC Software Group following successful approval by FCC on new operators for Open AFC solution.
• Graduated Metaverse Ready Networks (MRN) and Non-terrestrial Network Connectivity Solutions (NTCS) PGs with aligned industry requirements, use cases and technical papers.

We are proud of the impactful outcomes across our Project Groups in 2024:

 

Membership

In 2024, TIP stayed true to its mission as a global community, accelerating the deployment of open, disaggregated, and standards-based network solutions. Through promoting, developing, and testing innovative products, we provide a neutral platform for industry and policy stakeholders to drive innovation and industrialization, helping our members achieve their objectives.

This year, TIP’s membership reflected wide geographic and sectoral diversity. This expansion underscores TIP’s global relevance and its ability to bring organizations together to advance open, scalable solutions for the future of connectivityImpactful collaborations and breakthroughs across key domains defined the TIP community’s success in 2024.

 

Project Groups

In 2024, TIP’s Project Groups demonstrated remarkable progress, driving innovation across Open RAN, Optical Transport, Telco AI, and more.

 

OOPT

In 2024, TIP’s Open Optical & Packet Transport (OOPT) Project Group entered a pivotal new phase, consolidating successful initiatives and setting a five-year strategic vision through a new charter. The group also welcomed Lloyd Mphahlele (MTN Group) and José Antonio Gómez (Vodafone) as co-chairs to spearhead innovation in open transport networks. This shift aims to redefine telco networks by focusing on advanced use cases and the industrialization of open transport solutions.

The adoption of disaggregated transport solutions gained substantial momentum:

• DCSG Adoption: Over 27,000 Disaggregated Cell Site Gateways deployed globally. Release 2.0 launched with Segment Routing updates, showcased at FYUZ 2024.
• DDBR-PE Advances: Technical document with 1,400+ criteria completed; Bronze Badges awarded, Silver Badge trials underway for Provider/Internet Gateway roles.
• IPoDWDM Progress: First 400G ZR+ PoC completed with Vodafone, Telefónica, MTN, Orange, and vendors IP Infusion, Ciena, NEC and Ufispace, enhancing multi-layer network efficiencies.
• MUST Subgroup: SDN solutions like Infinera and NEC awarded Silver Badges; updates to T-API v2.5.0 and Open Optical Planning use cases reinforced progress.

In 2025, TIP’s OOPT community is set to advance IPoDWDM use cases and launch new projects like the Disaggregated Aggregation Router (DAR). With a focus on collaboration, rigorous evaluations, and open standards, the group aims to drive interoperability, cost efficiency, and scalability, building on its 2024 successes as a blueprint for future innovation in open transport networks.

 

OpenRAN

In 2024, TIP’s OpenRAN Project Group endeavored to address evolving industry needs and expand its impact. The group sharpened its focus on deploying scalable, open solutions in Open RAN and emphasizing advanced use cases such as energy efficiency, QoS optimization, and security postures.

The MOU group of European operators contributed its fourth set of Open RAN technical requirements, which provide valuable input for OpenRAN PG. This release updates previous documents, focusing on AI/ML frameworks, security with a zero-trust approach, and enhanced cloud infrastructure. It aims to promote competitive Open RAN solutions and accelerate global adoption. The updated requirements covered RAN hardware acceleration and other areas to ensure sustainable and secure Open RAN development.

In 2025, the Open RAN PG will focus on enhancing performance and deployment readiness across the Open RAN ecosystem, developing requirements, blueprints, and test plans for Open RAN certification:

• In the Solutions area, the group will build on the existing macro centralized solution blueprint by introducing new test case categories, such as scalability, provisioning, reliability, and life cycle management, while further advancing test cases for performance, operations, and resilience. This work will be complemented by testing multiple vendor combinations and developing a new small cell blueprint to address diverse deployment scenarios for public networks and industry verticals.
• On the Automation and Intelligence front, the PG will define test plans and success criteria for two key use cases: energy savings and traffic steering. These efforts aim to establish industry-wide benchmarks and support silver badge certifications. Additionally, the group will focus on x/rApp performance criteria for specific RIC and SMO platforms alongside new initiatives exploring conflict management and O1/E2 performance benchmarking to ensure consistency and reliability in Open RAN automation.

 

OpenLAN

In 2024, TIP’s OpenLAN PG with OpenWiFi technology achieved significant momentum, with OpenWiFi surpassing 100,000 access points deployed worldwide across enterprise-grade networks. This includes key rollouts by HFCL in rural India and the Helium Network, highlighting its ability to deliver affordable, flexible connectivity solutions globally. OpenLAN advanced through the integration of open networking switches with OpenWiFi systems, enabling seamless, scalable deployments.

Both initiatives emphasize TIP’s commitment to providing cost-effective, interoperable solutions for Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity, bridging the digital divide and expanding access to underserved regions.

 

TelcoAI

TIP launched its newest Project Group, TelcoAI, in May 2024. The Project Group targets to enable operators to use AI faster and at scale. The TelcoAI PG will focus on different options for implementing AI in telecommunications networks. This includes the use of edge, regional, and centralized data centers in operator infrastructure for AI, as well as the use of public cloud options where applicable.

In 2025, TelcoAI will create deployable AI blueprints for Telcos and work on practical proof of concepts and trials to advance AI in Telecoms.

 

Fixed Broadband

In 2024, TIP’s Fixed Broadband (FiBr) Project Group continued its mission to develop open and disaggregated technologies for fixed-line networks. By addressing real-world operator use cases and focusing on comprehensive technical requirements, the group worked to enhance network scalability, reduce deployment costs, and promote innovation. Collaborating with operators and vendors globally, the group remains committed to driving progress in open broadband architectures and supporting the evolution of fixed broadband networks.

 

NHIS

The Neutral Host & Infra Sharing (NHIS) Project Group was launched in 2024 with an ambitious set of initiatives for 2024. This new PG has a neutral host business model focused with specific emphasis on in-building systems (IBS), urban densification, and shared active and passive infrastructure to harvest the enormous economic benefits inherent in shared infra at the heart of the neutral host business model.

NHIS unveiled key deliverables in 2024, advancing neutral host models for cost-effective, scalable connectivity. These include:

• A Neutral Host Network Framework (new)
• Neutral Host Vertical Analysis Playbook—U.S. Hospitality Sector (new)
• Neutral Host Vertical Analysis Playbook—U.S. Sport Venue Sector (new)

Led by Boldyn Networks, CloudExtel, Corning Wireless, Proptivity, and Dense Air, the NHIS PG fosters collaboration among vendors, operators, and policymakers to reduce costs and improve coverage through shared infrastructure.

These innovations empower urban connectivity and position TIP as a leader in open, efficient telecom solutions. Learn more about TIP’s PGs here: https://telecominfraproject.com/exchange/project-groups/

 

Regional updates

TIP’s initiatives in India, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan are driving open network solutions, fostering innovation, and expanding digital connectivity.

• • • India:
      • In light of expanding interest within the Government & Private sector in OpenRAN & AI-based technologies and the inherent talent pool in software & services in India, TIP engaged in the Indian ecosystem to determine what the drivers are for scaling Automated, AI-driven OpenRAN solutions for domestic consumption and eventually to enable India to export integrable and pluggable solutions for the international market.  TIP aims to follow through in 2025 with further assessment of how to deepen the engagement of the Indian ecosystem in the global initiatives within TIP OpenRAN and TelcoAI groups.
    • Southeast Asia:
      • Indonesia: TIP, in association with Telkom University, continues telco-led interoperability and system integration testing of OpenRAN, OOPT, and OpenWiFi configurations and will soon establish a forward-looking training curriculum with TIP Academy for the telecom operators for OpenRAN testing and certification.
      • Progress in rural connectivity and smart city initiatives through Open Network solutions.
    • Taiwan:
      • Strengthened collaboration with ITRI to scale its TIP Community Lab, with an active Taiwanese vendor ecosystem and ITRI becoming a more central TIP lab for OpenRAN and OpenWiFi solutions in 2025.
    • Brazil:
      • TIP presented at the Brazil OpenRAN symposium and is forming a collaboration with a local host test lab to offer Test & Certification as a Service for the local Telcos to trial 4G/5G Macro OpenRAN to address connectivity gaps within Brazilian municipalities
    • Saudi Arabia:
      • In support of the US – Saudi Arabia OpenRAN collaboration, as well as offering global insights and a path forward for building in-market confidence and growth in AI-driven OpenRAN, TIP is working with key operators in the region to develop their own network strategies.

  

• Government funded initiatives

  Playing into the TIP OpenRAN SMO/RIC/Apps sub-group, there are two standout Government funded initiatives worth highlighting:

  The UK DSIT-funded ARI-5G Project was completed in March 2024, demonstrating the impact of AI/ML xAPPs on OpenRAN networks.  This was a DSIT – Industry match funded project, led by TIP and including a consortium of TIP members – Acceleran, Amdocs, Attocore, BT, Viavi – It delivered:

  • • • 8% improved coverage, 60% energy savings, and 50% better interference management.
      • Conducted testing at BT’s Adastral Park with Accelleran’s RIC platform, showing significant operational cost reductions.

  Building on ARI-5G, the ARIANE Project (launched October 2023) expands testing across multiple RIC platforms, focusing on standalone Apps testing, conflict detection, E2 interface performance benchmarking, and recommendations towards building a Quantum-Safe OpenRAN architecture.  Again led by TIP, this consortium includes Accenture, Amdocs, Arqit, BT, HCL, Reply UK, Viavi, VMWare / Broadcom:

  • • • Test 4 operator-defined rAPPs/xAPPs for QoS optimization, energy saving, advanced traffic steering, and Interface performance benchmarking.
      • Ease application onboarding & training across multiple RIC platforms.
      • Develop conflict management insights.
      • Integrate quantum-safe security measures without performance impact.

  ARI-5G and ARIANE highlight industry collaboration driving OpenRAN innovation, with ARIANE on track for groundbreaking results by Spring 2025.

  

  In Indonesia, TIP collaborated on projects to expand OpenRAN adoption as part of the country’s digital transformation efforts, focusing on improving rural connectivity and bridging the digital divide. Additionally, the USTDA-funded TIP 4G/5G Macro OpenRAN Feasibility Study played a pivotal role in evaluating the potential for scalable, cost-effective OpenRAN solutions in 1621 underserved sites (pop coverage ~10 – 20M). These initiatives demonstrate TIP’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting government efforts to build inclusive, future-ready networks.

  

• Testing, Badging, Certification, and Test Labs

  TIP released updated technical blueprints for key technologies, ensuring alignment with the latest industry standards. The blueprints provided actionable guides for implementing disaggregated solutions and were widely adopted by service providers and vendors.

  The program provided industry recognition for solutions that demonstrated exceptional interoperability, innovation, and readiness for deployment.

  Congratulations to all of our 2024 badge recipients!

   

  In 2024, TIP Expanded Open RAN Testing Capabilities Globally by strengthening Open RAN testing and certification in our member operator labs and through strategic collaborations with these industry labs:

  • • • VIAVI VALOR Lab (US):
        • Enhances interoperability and performance validation for Open RAN solutions.
        • Supports operators in reducing deployment complexities and accelerating adoption.
        • Provides scalable testing frameworks to meet global requirements.
      • Telkom University Lab (Indonesia):
        • Promotes Open RAN, Optical Transport, and OpenWiFi solutions.
        • Focuses on multi-vendor testing and system-level validation with active regional testing and trial programs.
        • Reduces testing burdens for operators while accelerating commercialization in Southeast Asia.
      • I14y Lab (Germany)
        • Key partner in 2025 for developing TIP’s system performance testing framework
        • Compliance testing of rApps and xApps
      • SONIC labs (UK)
        • Strengthening the relationship between the TIP community and SONIC through putting forward a 2025 plan for further testing on OpenRAN RIC & rAPPs using SONIC as a testbed

  These collaborations reinforce TIP’s leadership in advancing open, interoperable network technologies, enabling faster, scalable, and efficient global deployments.

• Fyuz 24

  From November 11th to 13th, 2024, the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) held its flagship industry event, FyuzTM, at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) in Ireland. This year’s theme, “Accelerate: Accelerate your deployments, business, and innovation,” set the stage for three days of in-depth discussions and insights into the future of open and disaggregated network technologies.

  

  FyuzTM 2024 stood out as the only event covering every aspect of open and disaggregated network solutions and Telco AI, attracting a diverse audience of C-Level executives, visionary thought leaders, innovators, and disruptors. The event focused on how the latest developments in network technology can be deployed, scaled, and leveraged to drive business growth and foster industry innovation:

  • • • Day 1 zeroed in on accelerating deployments, featuring case studies and updates from the Telecom Infra Project, highlighting practical strategies for implementing open and disaggregated solutions.
      • Day 2 focused on accelerating business growth, discussing how organizations can leverage network advancements to unlock new revenue streams and transform their business models.
      • The final day was all about accelerating innovation, diving into how emerging technologies like AI, Open RAN, and other disruptive tools are reshaping the telecom landscape.

  Key speakers included representatives from ATT, NVIDIA, Verizon, Viavi, BT, Telefonica, DT, ITRI, Druid, Liberty Global, Dell Technologies, Amdocs, HPE, Supermicro, Trinity College, NTIA, USTDA, US DoD, University of Bristol, Orange, NTT Docomo, VM02, Accenture, Vantage Towers, Ericsson, IP Infusion, MTN, AMD, Telus, Microsoft, Google, US NTIA, Comcast, Dish, Meta, and Turk Telekom, among others.

  Sign up for TIP’s newsletter to get notified about FyuzTM 2025.

• TIP Academy

  In 2024, TIP Academy won the Gold Award from Brandon Hall Group for the Best Association Professional Development Program, recognizing its excellence in OpenRAN and Telco Cloud training.

  Key Achievements:

  • • • Delivered 100+ hours of training with 1,500+ students enrolled and 800+ certificates issued.
      • Collaborated with organizations like CPQD, APIS Training, Lablabee, and Telecom Sector Skills Council (TSSC) in India
      • Established itself as a leading platform for innovation and skills development in telecom networks.

  TIP Academy’s success reflects the TIP community’s dedication to advancing telecom training, equipping professionals with the skills to shape the future of connectivity

  Looking ahead to 2025

  As TIP moves into 2025, its focus remains on fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and advancing the telecom ecosystem toward open, sustainable, and scalable solutions. With an ever-growing community of members and supporters, TIP is well-positioned to shape the future of connectivity on a global scale.

  TIP and our community will focus on scaling AI-powered solutions, advancing industrialized testing and certification frameworks, and promoting economically viable models to expand network coverage and capacity. Strengthening collaboration across Project Groups remains critical as TIP continues to deliver real-world, deployable solutions that transform networks globally.

  

  To become a TIP member, please reach out to us.

  Happy 2025!