Taara Demonstrates 14-km Free-Space Optical Link with AT&T and Nokia
Introduction:
Taara, an independent private company spun out of X, Google’s Moonshot Factory, and a developer of high-speed, high-capacity wireless optical communications, announced an expansion of its commercial activities targeting enterprise and federal customers in the U.S. Following a successful deployment with AT&T at the world’s largest soccer event at at MetLife Stadium, NJ, Taara demonstrated its Lightbridge free-space optical (FSO) system at Texas Tech University. The demonstration illustrated how narrow, invisible beams of light can deliver high-capacity connectivity where rapid deployment, security and operational flexibility are important for mission-critical applications.
Conducted in collaboration with AT&T and Nokia Federal Solutions, the demonstration carried data across a 14-km path between a university rooftop and a mobile cell site, known as a cell on wheels (COW). The demonstration was presented to enterprise, state and federal government stakeholders as part of Texas Tech University’s Critical Infrastructure Telecom Ecosystem Incubator.
The significance is that high-capacity optical connectivity can be established without installing fiber along the entire route or obtaining licensed radio-frequency spectrum. However, free-space optical communications have distinctive propagation and availability limitations that must be considered when evaluating their use in telecommunications infrastructure.
Free-Space Optical (FSO) Communications Explained:
Free-space optical communications transmit data using highly focused beams of invisible near-infrared light through the atmosphere rather than through a physical optical fiber. The basic architecture consists of two optical terminals, each containing an optical transmitter and receiver. The transmitting terminal converts electrical data into modulated optical signals, which are directed toward the receiving terminal. A photodetector at the receiving end converts the optical signal back into electrical data. Unlike conventional fiber-optic communications, the optical signal travels through an unguided atmospheric path. This eliminates the need to install physical cable between the two endpoints while retaining the potential for very high data rates and low latency.
Taara Lightbridge supports bidirectional transmission of up to 20 Gbps over distances of up to 20 km, according to the company’s published specifications. Its lightweight terminals can be installed on rooftops, towers and other elevated structures with a clear line of sight.
Image Credit: Communications Physics article “Towards high-capacity and robust free-space optical communications,” by Jian Wang, Jinfeng Liu & Chengkun Cai
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FSO technology is particularly attractive for:
- Wireless backhaul and fronthaul connectivity for cellular networks.
- Temporary high-capacity connections for major events and emergency deployments.
- Enterprise and campus network extensions.
- Connectivity between data centers and other facilities.
- Physically diverse network paths that reduce dependence on a single fiber route.
AT&T’s 80,000-Spectator Deployment at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey:
An important commercial example involved AT&T’s deployment of two Taara Lightbridge links at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The installation connected more than 80,000 spectators during a major international soccer event. According to Taara, the links were installed in a matter of hours and delivered up to 20 Gbps during the event.
Importantly, the deployment combined the optical links with a millimeter-wave radio backup. Taara reported 99.999% availability for the combined hybrid connection. This distinction is important. The five-nines availability figure applies to the combined optical and millimeter-wave arrangement, not to the standalone optical link. The deployment illustrates the value of combining different transmission technologies to improve network resilience. AT&T is also evaluating Taara links for broader network applications.
Advantages of FSO Compared with Fiber and Radio:
FSO offers several potentially important advantages for telecommunications operators and enterprise network providers.
Rapid deployment: Unlike fiber construction, FSO does not require trenching, cable installation, or lengthy rights-of-way negotiations along the transmission path. This can be particularly valuable for temporary installations, disaster recovery and locations where fiber construction is difficult or expensive.
High capacity: Optical wavelengths provide substantial bandwidth potential. Taara specifies up to 20 Gbps bidirectional throughput for Lightbridge, making it relevant to high-capacity wireless backhaul applications.
No licensed RF spectrum: Because the transmission uses optical rather than radio-frequency signals, FSO does not require licensed RF spectrum. This can be advantageous in congested wireless environments.
Low latency: Optical propagation through air is close to the speed of light in vacuum, avoiding the additional propagation delay associated with optical fiber. Actual end-to-end latency also depends on terminal electronics and network equipment.
Physical network diversity: An FSO link can provide an alternative physical path alongside fiber infrastructure. This can reduce dependence on a single cable route, provided that the optical path itself is sufficiently protected and does not share the same physical vulnerabilities.
FSO’s Risks and Technical Limitations:
Despite its considerable potential, FSO is not a universal replacement for fiber or conventional wireless transmission. Its principal weakness is that the optical signal must propagate through an uncontrolled atmospheric environment.
Several engineering challenges affect link reliability and availability.
1. Atmospheric attenuation and weather
Fog is one of the most serious challenges for terrestrial FSO. Water droplets scatter and attenuate near-infrared optical signals, potentially reducing received optical power below the level required for reliable communications.
Heavy rain, snow, dust and other atmospheric conditions can also degrade performance. Atmospheric turbulence can cause fluctuations in signal intensity, beam distortion and variations in received optical power.
Taara’s own technical FAQ acknowledges these limitations. Its published averages indicate approximately 95% annual availability at 5 km and 90% at 10 km for Lightbridge links. The company also reports that fog causes significantly greater attenuation than is typically experienced by millimeter-wave systems.
These figures demonstrate why advertised maximum transmission distance should not be confused with guaranteed service availability.
2. Line-of-sight requirements and physical obstruction
FSO requires a clear optical path between the two terminals. Buildings, trees, construction equipment, vehicles and other physical obstructions can interrupt the connection.
Unlike radio systems that may support non-line-of-sight propagation through reflection or diffraction, a highly directional optical link generally cannot maintain its connection when the direct path is blocked.
Consequently, careful site surveys, rooftop placement and protection of the optical path are essential.
3. Pointing, acquisition and tracking
Because the optical beam is highly directional, the transmitting and receiving terminals must remain accurately aligned.
Wind-induced movement of towers, rooftop structures, mounting equipment and other mechanical disturbances can cause pointing errors. Building movement and thermal expansion can also affect alignment.
Automatic acquisition and tracking mechanisms are therefore important components of practical FSO systems. Maintaining alignment over long distances is a significant engineering challenge.
4. Availability and network redundancy
FSO should not automatically be treated as a fiber replacement for applications requiring continuous connectivity.
Operators need to engineer around atmospheric outages and physical obstructions through redundant paths, adaptive transmission rates, backup radio links or alternative fiber routes.
Taara’s AT&T stadium deployment provides a useful example: combining FSO with millimeter-wave radio backup allowed the network to achieve the vendor-reported five-nines availability figure.
For mission-critical applications, the relevant engineering metric is not simply peak throughput. It is sustained throughput and service availability under actual operating conditions.
5. Security considerations
The narrow, highly directional optical beam can make interception more difficult than with broadly propagated wireless signals. FSO also avoids the licensed RF spectrum and radio-frequency interference issues associated with conventional wireless links.
However, optical transmission should not be equated with inherently secure communications. Physical access to the optical path, endpoint compromise, deliberate obstruction and attacks on network equipment remain relevant security considerations.
Encryption, authentication, access controls and network monitoring are still necessary.
Taara’s Next Technology Development: Integrated Photonics and Optical Phased Arrays:
Beyond its deployed Lightbridge technology, Taara is developing a more compact integrated-photonics platform called Taara Photonics.
Introduced in February 2026, the platform moves important optical communication and beam-control functions into a small silicon-based photonic module. Its central technology is an optical phased array (OPA) containing more than 1,000 miniature, software-controlled light emitters.
By electronically controlling the phase of the emitted light, an OPA can steer and track optical beams without relying on conventional moving mechanical components.
Taara’s first product based on this platform, Taara Beam, is specified for up to 25 Gbps bidirectional throughput over distances of up to 10 km.
The approach could eventually reduce terminal size, complexity and deployment costs while enabling more flexible optical wireless network architectures.
However, integrated photonics and electronic beam steering do not eliminate the fundamental atmospheric propagation challenges of FSO. Fog attenuation, turbulence, physical obstructions and link availability must still be addressed.
It is also important to distinguish this newer platform from the Lightbridge equipment used in the 14-km Texas demonstration. The Texas demonstration does not establish the operational performance or weather resilience of Taara Beam.
Wireless Telecom Industry Implications:
Taara’s demonstrations illustrate the potential role of wireless optical communications as another component of high-capacity telecommunications infrastructure.
FSO is particularly attractive where fiber construction is prohibitively expensive, deployment schedules are demanding, or an additional physically diverse connection is needed. It can complement fiber and millimeter-wave radio rather than compete with either technology in every application.
The technology could also become relevant to data-center interconnection, where increasing traffic volumes and the need for additional network capacity are creating demand for alternative connectivity solutions. However, practical deployment will depend on distance, atmospheric conditions, site geometry, redundancy requirements and total cost of ownership. The most important consideration for network operators is whether FSO can deliver sufficient sustained capacity and availability at a competitive cost under the specific environmental conditions of each deployment.
Conclusions:
Taara’s 14-km demonstration with AT&T and Nokia illustrates the growing potential of free-space optical communications to provide high-capacity connectivity without the construction costs, delays and physical constraints of fiber deployment. FSO is particularly attractive for wireless backhaul, temporary high-capacity links, enterprise connectivity and network-route diversity. However, impressive peak data rates and transmission distances do not establish carrier-grade reliability. Atmospheric attenuation—especially from fog—line-of-sight obstructions and precise beam-alignment requirements remain significant engineering challenges.
Consequently, FSO is best deployed with appropriate redundancy, including fiber or millimeter-wave backup where uninterrupted service is required. Taara’s newer integrated-photonics and optical phased-array development could make optical wireless terminals smaller, less mechanically complex and easier to deploy. But it does not eliminate the fundamental limitations of atmospheric optical transmission.
We believe that FSO is a promising complementary technology for expanding high-capacity network connectivity, not a universal replacement for fiber. Its commercial success will depend on demonstrating sustained throughput, predictable availability and competitive total cost of ownership under real-world operating conditions.
References:
https://x.company/blog/posts/taara-graduation/
https://www.taaraconnect.com/post/introducing-taara-photonics-and-beam
https://support.taaraconnect.com/en/faq/design-specs
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42005-026-02947-3
Broadband Forum Advances Subscriber Session Steering for Dynamic BNG Resource Optimization
Attribution:
Ken Pyle, Broadband Forum Marketing Director, provided the author with references which he used to write this article. ChatGPT helped with organizing the piece AFTER the author completed his own diligent research.
Introduction:
As broadband networks evolve toward disaggregated, cloud-native architectures, service providers need more flexible ways to manage subscriber sessions and allocate network resources. Traditional broadband architectures typically associate subscribers with specific Broadband Network Gateways (BNGs), limiting operators’ ability to dynamically balance traffic, optimize resource utilization, or respond to changing service requirements.
The Broadband Forum (BBF) is addressing this challenge through Subscriber Session Steering (3S), an architecture that enables service providers to dynamically select and manage the network gateways serving individual subscribers or groups of subscribers. The objective is to optimize network performance, improve resource utilization, reduce energy consumption, and support differentiated broadband services without interrupting active subscriber sessions.
At its November 2–5, 2026 Fall Member Meeting in Denver, CO the Broadband Forum’s Network Architecture Work Area approved WT-474, Subscriber Session Steering, and advanced it to Final Ballot. Publication as Technical Report TR-474 is expected before year-end 2026.
Subscriber Session Steering Explained:
Subscriber Session Steering provides dynamic, policy-driven selection and management of subscriber sessions across available service gateways. These include BNGs and Access Gateway Functions (AGFs).
Unlike static subscriber-to-gateway assignments, 3S enables individual subscribers or entire subscriber groups to be moved between network resources based on traffic load, service requirements, Quality of Service (QoS), network availability, maintenance needs, and energy consumption.
The architecture is designed to perform these changes without interrupting ongoing subscriber sessions.
Two important functional elements are:
- User Plane Selection Function (UPSF): Determines the appropriate BNG user-plane instance for a subscriber or subscriber group based on network conditions and service-provider policies. It provides the selection and coordination function for subscriber-session placement.
- Traffic Steering Function (TSF): Implements the traffic redirection needed to move subscriber sessions and associated traffic flows to the selected user-plane instance. The TSF can be deployed at different network locations, including within an Optical Line Terminal (OLT).
Together, these functions enable dynamic binding of subscriber sessions to available BNG user planes. This is particularly relevant to Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS), which allows BNG control-plane functions to manage multiple independently deployed user-plane instances.
The architecture also supports cloud-native BNG implementations in which user-plane functions can be deployed, scaled, consolidated, or deactivated as network demand changes.
2024 Broadband Forum Innovation Demonstration: Multi-Vendor Subscriber Session Steering:
The technical feasibility and operational benefits of 3S were demonstrated during the Broadband Forum’s November 2024 Innovation Demonstrations, involving three vendors: Adtran, BISDN, and OutSys.
The demonstration combined disaggregated BNG architecture, cloud-native user planes, traffic steering, and Quality of Experience (QoE) monitoring to dynamically optimize network resource utilization.
Key contributions included:
- BISDN: Supplied BISDN Linux, an open-source network operating system running on the aggregation switch, and the UPSF based on the Broadband Forum’s Open Broadband Subscriber Session Steering (OB-STEER) project. Its BNG micro-user planes were cloud-native and deployable in Kubernetes-based x86 infrastructure.
- Adtran: Integrated the TSF into its SDX 6330 PON OLT. Under UPSF direction, the TSF dynamically redirected subscriber sessions and associated traffic flows between BNG user-plane instances. Locating traffic steering in the OLT enables redirection closer to the access network, including when an OLT uplink or aggregation switch fails.
- OutSys: Provided Quality of Experience Delivered (QED) probes and reflectors, based on Broadband Forum TR-452, to monitor service quality across BNG user planes. Its QED Analyzer, integrated into Nokia’s Altiplano framework, used network measurements and subscriber counts to support closed-loop resource optimization.
The demonstration illustrated an energy-saving scenario. When traffic and subscriber counts on a particular BNG user plane fell below a predefined threshold, and measured service quality remained satisfactory, the automation system moved active subscribers to another user plane. The underutilized instance could then be shut down.
This approach reduces the number of running BNG micro-user planes and their associated energy consumption in x86-based Kubernetes clusters while maintaining acceptable subscriber service quality.
The demonstration also showed the resilience benefits of OLT-based steering. If an uplink or aggregation switch fails, subscriber traffic can be redirected through another OLT uplink toward a different network path.
Importantly, the demonstration brought together components from three vendors using Broadband Forum standards and Open Broadband software, illustrating the potential for multi-vendor implementations.
WT-474: The New Subscriber Session Steering Technical Report:
The Broadband Forum’s WT-474 project formalizes the 3S architecture and its operational requirements. According to the Forum’s September 2026 technical overview, TR-474 will define:
- Subscriber Session Steering use cases.
- The overall 3S architecture and functional requirements.
- Operational workflows for dynamic subscriber-session selection and movement.
- Informational models describing the entities and relationships involved.
- Data models needed to support implementation and management of the architecture.
The specification addresses the selection, balancing, and management of subscriber-session mappings to service gateways. It is intended to support dynamic network optimization based on access conditions, service requirements, and operational events.
An important aspect is the ability to steer individual subscribers or groups of subscribers without interrupting active sessions. This supports service-aware network resource allocation rather than treating all broadband subscribers identically.
The forthcoming TR-474 [1.] is also designed to work independently or in conjunction with other Broadband Forum disaggregation and cloud specifications.
The related Open Broadband OB-STEER project provides reference software implementations of key architectural components, including UPSF-related functions. Its purpose is to support rapid prototyping, evaluation of specification changes, and potential interoperability testing as commercial implementations emerge.
Note 1. At the Fall 2026 BBF Member Meeting, WT-474 was approved and sent out for Final Ballot. TR-474 is expected to be approved before the end of 2026. Once approved, it will be sent to ITU-T for consideration as a new recommendation.
Broadband Industry Significance:
Subscriber Session Steering extends broadband network resource management beyond conventional load balancing. Its significance spans several areas:
Energy efficiency: Operators can consolidate subscriber sessions onto fewer active BNG user-plane instances during periods of lower demand, allowing underutilized resources to be deactivated. This can reduce power consumption in cloud-native broadband infrastructure.
QoS and differentiated services: Subscribers can be assigned to network gateways and paths that better match their service requirements. High-value customers and latency-sensitive applications, including gaming and cloud services, can potentially be directed toward higher-capability network resources.
Wholesale and open-access broadband: 3S enables a Broadband Service Provider’s subscribers to be moved to different portions of a wholesale network. This flexibility can support more efficient use of shared infrastructure and new wholesale service models.
Network resilience and maintenance: Subscriber sessions can be redirected in response to equipment failures, network congestion, or planned maintenance. Dynamic placement also provides opportunities for predictive maintenance and more flexible network upgrades.
Cloud-native and disaggregated BNGs: By supporting dynamic subscriber placement across independently deployed user planes, 3S complements CUPS and cloud-native BNG architectures. Operators gain greater flexibility in scaling network functions and utilizing distributed computing resources.
Multi-vendor interoperability: Standardized architecture, requirements, workflows, and information and data models provide a common basis for implementations from different suppliers. The 2024 demonstration involving Adtran, BISDN, and OutSys provided an early example of how these components can work together.
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From Broadband Forum Marketing Director Ken Pyle:
“Another important point is that 3S enables an access provider to automate and adapt the path to wholesale handoffs while preserving a clear operational boundary: subscriber steering is managed locally, while the wholesale partner controls service termination beyond the handoff.”
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Conclusions:
The Broadband Forum’s Subscriber Session Steering initiative addresses an important requirement for the next generation of broadband networks: dynamically matching subscriber sessions to available network resources according to service needs, network conditions, and operational objectives.
By formalizing the 3S architecture in TR-474, the Broadband Forum is establishing a framework for more flexible BNG resource allocation, energy-efficient operations, improved resilience, and differentiated broadband services.
The 2024 multi-vendor demonstration showed how UPSF, OLT-based traffic steering, cloud-native BNG user planes, and QoE monitoring can work together to achieve these objectives. The forthcoming TR-474 will provide the technical requirements, architecture, workflows, and models needed to advance this approach toward interoperable industry implementations.
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References:
https://www.broadband-forum.org/events/fall-2026-member-meeting-roundup
Broadband Forum new work areas to enable broadband services & apps
Broadband Forum SDN/NFV Work Area launches four new projects at Bangkok Q4-2023 meeting
Broadband Forum and LAN Laboratory Expand Certification Program to include XGS-PON
Broadband Forum’s vBG network spec targeted at SD-WANs; led by ONUG
Inside TM Forum’s Catalyst project “Living Networks – Phase III”
VodafoneThree to study a new UK–Norway submarine cable system with route diversity
Disclaimer:
ChatGPT was used to assist with research, technical analysis, and drafting. The author reviewed and edited the material for accuracy and final content. He also provided additional information, quotes and images.
Introduction:
On November 10th, VodafoneThree (UK) [1.] announced a feasibility study for a proposed submarine telecommunications cable connecting mainland Scotland, the Shetland Islands and Norway. The proposed UK–Norway digital corridor is intended to strengthen international connectivity, improve geographic route diversity and enhance the resilience of critical digital infrastructure supporting businesses, public services, defense, data centers and other essential services.
Note 1. VodafoneThree was formed as a merger between Vodafone UK and Three UK. It became 100% owned by Vodafone Group Plc following full acquisition completion in July 2026.
The study, expected to begin in summer 2027, will examine potential cable routes from Shetland to Norway, possible landing locations in the Bergen region and the delivery partnerships needed to develop the connection. It builds on VodafoneThree’s earlier feasibility work on an additional submarine cable connecting Shetland with mainland Scotland.
Importantly, this is a feasibility study, not an approved, financed or under-construction cable project. The final route, landing locations, cable specifications, equipment suppliers, financing and deployment schedule have not been established.
The proposed corridor could strengthen the security, resilience and capacity of the UK’s digital infrastructure, supporting defense, critical national infrastructure and essential services. Analysis commissioned by VodafoneThree estimates it could protect up to £6.6 million of UK economic activity for each day of severe disruption affecting multiple existing routes where traffic cannot be rerouted. This highlights the value of geographically diverse subsea infrastructure: an alternative northern route could bolster resilience as government identifies coordinated disruption to critical undersea infrastructure as a growing national security risk. The proposed route could deliver up to £8.2 billion in economic value over the next ten years, according to research conducted by consultancy firm WPI Strategy and commissioned by Vodafone Business.
Photo Credit: VodafoneThree
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Executive Quotes:
Protecting our network of undersea cables is vital to keeping our country safe. Our adversaries are increasingly targeting our critical national infrastructure, including the cables that carry data and enable internet traffic and financial transactions. This is a very welcome step that could not only improve connectivity and boost our economy, especially in Scotland, but strengthen the UK’s national resilience, prevent disruption, and keep us all safe
UK Defense Secretary, Wes Streeting MP
Reliable international connectivity is vital to the UK’s defence, strengthening our resilience to disruption and enhancing the security of the critical infrastructure on which our economy and public services depend. Norway is a strategically important partner, with a shared commitment to protecting infrastructure across the North Atlantic. A new digital corridor would strengthen the physical links between our countries, add vital route diversity and support secure, resilient connectivity for critical infrastructure on both sides of the North Sea. It could also unlock investment in data centres and AI, creating skilled jobs and wider economic opportunities. This study will help establish the economic and strategic case for the route and identify the partnerships needed to deliver it
Nick Gliddon, Business Director, VodafoneThree
ITU’s Global Submarine Cable Resilience Recommendations:
VodafoneThree’s announcement comes at an important time for the submarine cable industry. In July 2026, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) approved a comprehensive set of global recommendations for improving submarine cable resilience. These recommendations provide a useful framework for evaluating the proposed Scotland–Shetland–Norway corridor and its potential contribution to international network resilience. On July 10, 2026, the ITU International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience approved its final report, International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience – Report of the Working Groups 2026. The Advisory Body was established jointly by the ITU and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) in November 2024.
The effort brought together 175 experts representing governments, regulators, submarine cable operators, telecommunications companies, industry organizations, academia and international organizations. Its work was organized into three Working Groups addressing different but complementary dimensions of submarine cable resilience.
The resulting recommendations are nonbinding global guidance intended to inform government policy, industry practices, investment decisions and international cooperation. They are not mandatory technical standards or certification requirements.
The Advisory Body was established jointly by ITU and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) in 2024.
Source ITU
There are three ITU working groups involved:
| Working group | Technical focus |
|---|---|
| WG1 | Timely cable deployment and repair |
| WG2 | Risk identification, monitoring and mitigation |
| WG3 | Connectivity and geographic diversity |
Working Group 1: Timely Deployment and Repair:
WG1 addresses regulatory, logistical and operational obstacles that delay submarine cable deployment and repair. Its recommendations seek to reduce the time required to install new infrastructure and restore connectivity following cable damage.
Key recommendations include:
- Streamline permitting and regulatory approvals: Establish transparent, predictable permitting requirements and timelines. Reduce regulatory barriers involving customs, cabotage, ship and crew clearances, and emergency repairs.
- Designate government coordination contacts: Establish a single point of contact (SPOC) to coordinate submarine cable deployment and repair approvals across government agencies.
- Improve regional cooperation: Encourage regional cable protection committees and other cooperative frameworks to harmonize regulatory practices and share industry best practices.
- Expand global repair capabilities: Increase the availability and geographic diversity of repair vessels, spare parts and maintenance resources, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
- Develop rapid-response capabilities: Consider shallow-water repair teams equipped with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for near-shore incidents.
- Promote shared repair infrastructure: Encourage shared vessels, spare-parts pools, maintenance agreements and strategically located repair hubs.
- Improve public-private coordination: Establish operational contacts, 24-hour escalation procedures, joint exercises and information-sharing arrangements between governments and cable operators.
For the proposed Scotland–Shetland–Norway corridor, these recommendations are relevant to permitting in multiple jurisdictions, access to repair vessels in the North Atlantic and North Sea, maintenance agreements and emergency restoration planning.
Working Group 2: Risk Identification, Monitoring and Mitigation:
WG2 addresses physical, environmental, operational and security threats to submarine cable infrastructure. Its recommendations recognize that cable damage is not limited to deliberate attacks. Fishing activity, ship anchoring, seabed conditions, earthquakes, underwater landslides, climate change and maritime congestion all create risks.
Its 14 recommendations cover several important areas:
1. Risk assessment and information sharing
Governments should develop national submarine cable risk strategies based on reliable data concerning cable locations, vulnerabilities, faults and outages. Industry and government should improve information sharing while protecting sensitive infrastructure information.
2. Standardized incident reporting
WG2 encourages voluntary, standardized reporting of cable faults, outages, repair delays and other incidents. Anonymized information shared among governments and industry organizations could improve risk analysis and identify recurring vulnerabilities.
3. Legal frameworks and enforcement
Governments should establish clear legal and operational frameworks for cable protection, implement applicable international treaty obligations and strengthen enforcement against intentional or negligent cable damage. Improved coordination with law enforcement and maritime authorities is also encouraged.
4. Maritime safety and route protection
Recommendations address maritime training, accidental anchor deployment, marine spatial planning and improved nautical charting. Digital navigation and updated cable-risk information can help ships and maritime operators avoid damaging existing infrastructure.
5. Redundancy audits and stress testing
Cable operators should conduct audits and stress tests to evaluate network redundancy and the ability to maintain connectivity during multiple failures. Decommissioning decisions should also account for their impact on remaining network diversity and resilience.
6. Landing-station and outside-plant security
Cable landing stations (CLS) and associated outside-plant (OSP) infrastructure require appropriate physical and cybersecurity protections. Recommendations also address data security, monitoring and early-warning capabilities.
7. Investment in cable protection
WG2 encourages investment in physical protection measures, including appropriate cable burial and armoring. Route-specific risk assessments should determine the level of protection required.
These recommendations are particularly relevant to VodafoneThree’s proposed feasibility study. The route assessment should examine seabed conditions, fishing and anchoring activity, maritime traffic, environmental hazards, cable burial requirements and the security of landing stations and terrestrial connections.
Working Group 3: Fostering Connectivity and Geographic Diversity:
WG3 addresses the investment, economic, regulatory and network-architecture requirements for improving global connectivity and geographic diversity.
A major concern identified by the ITU is the concentration of submarine cable infrastructure along a limited number of geographic corridors and chokepoints. Countries and regions dependent on only one or a few cable systems are particularly vulnerable to disruptions.
Its recommendations include:
- Blended financing and investment: Encourage financing platforms and partnerships that support submarine cable projects in underserved regions, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and remote coastal areas.
- Early coordination among investors and operators: Involve governments, financing institutions and cable operators during the design process to identify investment opportunities and reduce project risks.
- Public-private partnerships: Encourage partnership structures that make strategically important cable routes economically viable when private investment alone may be insufficient.
- Insurance and risk mitigation: Develop insurance mechanisms that improve project financing and reduce investment risks.
- Predictable regulatory frameworks: Establish clear licensing and permitting processes to reduce uncertainty, costs and deployment delays.
- Access to landing stations: Encourage nondiscriminatory access consistent with national regulations and security requirements, enabling competing carriers to obtain capacity.
- Branching-unit planning: Consider incorporating branching units into initial cable system designs to facilitate future connections and improve regional connectivity.
- Anchor tenancy: Encourage government or other institutional commitments to purchase minimum capacity on new systems where this helps make investment viable.
- Route diversity guidelines: Promote industry best practices for evaluating geographic diversity and resilience requirements, including exposure to environmental and human-caused hazards.
WG3 is particularly relevant to the proposed UK–Norway corridor. The feasibility study should determine whether the route provides genuinely independent international connectivity or introduces additional capacity along existing vulnerable corridors.
That requires evaluating seabed route separation, independent landing stations, terrestrial backhaul diversity and the ability to reroute traffic when other cable systems fail. Simply adding another submarine cable does not automatically provide meaningful network redundancy.
Taken together, the three ITU Working Groups provide a comprehensive framework covering cable deployment, operational protection, monitoring, repair readiness, investment and geographic diversity. VodafoneThree’s feasibility study offers an opportunity to evaluate these recommendations before the eventual cable architecture and procurement decisions are finalized. The company has not announced formal adoption of the ITU recommendations. Here’s the ITU-T G.971 functional block diagram of the entire cable system, including land and submarine portions:
Source: ITU-T G.971
Fiber-Optic Monitoring and Threat Detection:
Another important aspect of submarine cable resilience is the ability to detect and locate physical disturbances before they result in service interruptions. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) can turn optical fibers into distributed sensors, providing information about physical and environmental conditions along a cable route.
DAS detects acoustic and vibration-related disturbances that can be associated with nearby vessel activity, anchoring, fishing operations and other seabed events. DTS measures temperature variations along the fiber and can help identify certain environmental and cable-related anomalies.
Research conducted in Norway has demonstrated the potential of DAS for detecting and tracking vessels near submarine telecommunications infrastructure. A 2026 study using a fiber-optic cable in Trondheim Fjord reported ship detection at distances of up to 1.6 km from the cable, with localization results compared against Automatic Identification System (AIS) data.
These technologies could provide additional monitoring capabilities for submarine cable operators. However, detection is not equivalent to identifying hostile intent, and performance depends on the sensing system, fiber configuration, environmental conditions and signal-processing capabilities.
There is also an important ITU standards connection. ITU-T Recommendation G.979 (November 2025), Characteristics of Monitoring Systems for Optical Fiber Submarine Cable Systems, addresses monitoring-system architecture, equipment characteristics and monitored parameters. Its third edition includes generic monitoring requirements for sensing functionalities.
The proposed feasibility study should evaluate whether suitable fiber-optic monitoring and threat-detection capabilities can be incorporated into the eventual cable system, consistent with applicable ITU-T recommendations.
Multi-Vendor Optical Equipment Interoperability:
An additional consideration is whether the eventual submarine cable architecture will support multi-vendor interoperability among optical transmission equipment suppliers.
VodafoneThree’s announcement does not identify equipment vendors, open cable architecture requirements or multi-vendor interoperability as objectives of the feasibility study. Nevertheless, these issues should be considered before system architecture and procurement decisions are finalized.
Traditionally, many repeatered submarine cable systems have been supplied as integrated, turnkey solutions by a single vendor. This can create long-term supplier dependencies and limit equipment replacement and upgrade flexibility.
ITU-T G Supplement 41 (July 2024), Design Guidelines for Optical Fiber Submarine Cable Systems, describes different physical-layer compatibility architectures, including black-box transverse compatibility and configurations permitting equipment from different vendors to interoperate under defined interface and performance requirements.
ITU-T G.971 also addresses general characteristics of optical fiber submarine cable systems.
There are important engineering distinctions between these architectures. Multi-vendor compatibility at submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE) and coherent optical transmission interfaces is more readily achievable than interoperability involving submerged repeaters, amplifiers and branching units, which are often integrated into a single-vendor wet-plant system.
The feasibility study should therefore evaluate:
- Standardized interfaces between SLTE and the submarine optical line system.
- Multi-vendor compatibility of coherent optical transmission equipment.
- Opportunities to separate wet-plant and dry-plant procurement.
- Common optical performance specifications and interoperability testing.
- Long-term supplier flexibility and future transmission-capacity upgrades.
An appropriately designed open submarine cable architecture could increase equipment supplier choice, facilitate future upgrades and reduce unnecessary vendor lock-in. Whether VodafoneThree will pursue such an architecture remains an open question.
Conclusions:
VodafoneThree’s proposed Scotland–Shetland–Norway submarine cable corridor is an opportunity to improve international connectivity while addressing broader submarine infrastructure resilience requirements.
The most important evaluation criteria extend beyond route capacity and commercial viability. They include genuine geographic independence, landing-station and terrestrial backhaul diversity, fiber-optic monitoring, repair readiness, cybersecurity and multi-vendor optical equipment compatibility.
The ITU’s July 2026 global submarine cable resilience recommendations provide a timely framework for evaluating these requirements. Complementary ITU-T Recommendations G.979, G Supplement 41 and G.971 provide relevant technical guidance on monitoring and optical-system compatibility.
VodafoneThree has not announced formal adoption of these recommendations or a commitment to open, multi-vendor equipment architecture. These should be considered during the feasibility and subsequent system-design stages.
Ultimately, the value of a new UK–Norway submarine cable should be measured not simply by the additional transmission capacity it provides, but by how much independently routed, secure, maintainable and interoperable connectivity it contributes to the wider international telecommunications infrastructure.
References:
https://www.vodafonethree.com/explore-uk-norway-digital-corridor-subsea-cable/ [Press Release]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42200624/ [2026 Norwegian research, Tracking Ships with Submarine Cables]
https://www.itu.int/hub/publication/s-iab-wg-2026/
https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-G.979/en
https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-G.Sup41/en
https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-G.971/en
Fiber Optic Networks & Subsea Cable Systems as the foundation for AI and Cloud services
Subsea cable systems: the new high-capacity, high-resilience backbone of the AI-driven global network
Hyperscalers Dominance of Subsea Cable Capacity to Increase in the AI Era
Meta’s Petal Subsea Cable to Bring Petabit-Class Optics to the Atlantic
TechCrunch: Meta to build $10 billion Subsea Cable to manage its global data traffic
FCC updates subsea cable regulations; repeals 98 “outdated” broadcast rules and regulations
Ethernet Advances Towards 400 Gb/s-per-Lane Signaling for AI Networks: IEEE P802.3dv, Copper and Optical Interconnects
Original Shared-Medium Ethernet LANs have evolved to High-Performance AI Networking Fabrics:
Ethernet originated at Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) in 1973 as a local area networking (LAN) technology that allowed computers and peripherals to communicate over a shared coaxial cable. The original 3 Mb/s experimental Ethernet, developed by Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs (RIP), used Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) to control access to the shared transmission medium. It’s primary purpose was to enable desktop workstations to share a printer.
Transforming that experimental technology into a working 10 Mb/s Ethernet implementation required substantial additional engineering. At Xerox, Ron Crane (RIP) and Robert Garner were key contributors to the 10 Mb/s Ethernet adapter developed for the Xerox Star workstation. Crane designed the analog front-end circuitry, including the receive clock-recovery phase-locked loop, and characterized the coaxial cable’s analog response and requirements, including transceiver tap placement. Garner designed the adapter’s digital logic and microcode. Their work was instrumental in the development of the DEC-Intel-Xerox (DIX) 10 Mb/s Ethernet specification, which subsequently provided the foundation for IEEE 802.3 10BASE5.
The original Ethernet LAN architecture has since undergone a major fundamental transformation. The introduction of switched, full-duplex Ethernet eliminated the shared-medium collision detection environment and made CSMA/CD unnecessary in mainstream deployments. Ethernet evolved from a 10 Mb/s LAN technology into a family of standardized physical-layer interfaces operating over copper and optical fiber, with switching architectures supporting increasingly sophisticated enterprise, carrier and data-center networks.
Today, Ethernet encompasses considerably more than its original LAN architecture. Although the IEEE 802.3 MAC frame format and associated link-layer functions remain foundational, modern Ethernet networks employ high-speed SerDes, advanced modulation and forward error correction (FEC), sophisticated switching fabrics, congestion management and optical interconnects. Ethernet framing transports IP packets and numerous other higher-layer protocols across these networks.
The latest transformation is being driven by the enormous bandwidth and low-latency requirements of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Distributed GPU systems require increasingly capable interconnections for scale-up, scale-out and scale-across networking. These requirements are pushing the industry toward 400 Gb/s-per-lane electrical signaling, higher-capacity optical interfaces and new approaches to copper and optical interconnects.
The IEEE 802.3 Working Group’s P802.3dv project addresses this next stage of Ethernet evolution, specifying physical-layer interfaces and management parameters for 400 Gb/s, 800 Gb/s and 1.6 Tb/s Ethernet based on 400 Gb/s-per-lane signaling. The project illustrates how far Ethernet has evolved from its original shared-medium LAN roots—and how its standardized framing and interoperability ecosystem continue to support entirely new classes of high-performance networking fabrics.
The Ethernet Alliance, formed in January 2006, was established to accelerate Ethernet technology adoption, promote interoperability, and provide an industry-wide voice supporting IEEE 802.3 Ethernet development.
Why AI Networking Requires Higher Ethernet Bandwidth:
AI infrastructure is creating three distinct networking requirements:
- Scale-up: High-bandwidth, low-latency interconnections among GPUs and other accelerators within a system or closely coupled cluster.
- Scale-out: Networking among GPU servers and racks within large data centers, connecting compute, storage and other infrastructure.
- Scale-across: Interconnecting geographically or operationally distributed AI computing resources and data-center clusters.
These architectures require high-radix switches, increasingly dense electrical and optical interconnections, low latency and efficient utilization of available bandwidth.
Traditional Ethernet speeds and interconnect architectures are being challenged by the growing number of accelerators and the volume of data exchanged during distributed AI training and inference.
The transition to 400 Gb/s-per-lane signaling is intended to increase bandwidth density while reducing the number of lanes, connections and associated infrastructure required to achieve higher aggregate data rates.
The challenge is not simply increasing signaling speed. Power consumption, signal integrity, latency, reach, thermal management and interoperability must all be addressed.
IEEE P802.3dv: Standardizing 400 Gb/s-per-Lane Ethernet:
The IEEE 802.3 Working Group approved the P802.3dv Project Authorization Request (PAR) on September 25, 2026. The project addresses physical-layer specifications and management parameters for:
- 400 Gb/s Ethernet
- 800 Gb/s Ethernet
- 1.6 Tb/s Ethernet
All three aggregate data rates are based on 400 Gb/s-per-lane signaling.
The project scope includes electrical interconnects and single-mode fiber (SMF) optical interfaces with reaches up to 500 meters. The IEEE 802.3 400 Gb/s/Lane Signaling Study Group completed its charter following PAR approval and transitioned into the P802.3dv Task Force. This is an important standards-development milestone. However, P802.3dv remains an active standards project; its approval as a PAR does not mean the resulting technical specifications have been completed or approved. The work is particularly important to AI networking because it establishes a standards framework for higher-bandwidth Ethernet interfaces across electrical and optical media.
High-speed Ethernet switching and copper and optical interconnects are central to scaling AI data center networks.
Image generated by ChatGPT using AI image-generation technology.
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Electrical Signaling: PAM4/PAM6, Copper Channels, SerDes and FEC:
Moving to 400 Gb/s per lane creates substantial electrical engineering challenges. The TEF 2026 discussions included presentations from Broadcom, Synopsys, TE Connectivity, Amphenol and Huawei addressing 400G/lane signaling, copper interconnects, channel feasibility and system design.
- A central question is whether PAM4 modulation can continue to meet the requirements or whether higher-order modulation, including PAM6, offers advantages under particular channel conditions.
- PAM4 encodes two bits per symbol using four amplitude levels. PAM6 uses six amplitude levels, potentially increasing the number of bits transmitted per symbol but introducing additional challenges involving noise margins, receiver complexity and signal integrity.
At these signaling rates, performance depends on the entire electrical channel, including:
- SerDes transmitter and receiver design.
- Chip packages and host-board traces.
- Connectors and cable assemblies.
- Channel insertion loss and crosstalk.
- Equalization and clock recovery.
- Forward error correction.
Passive copper remains attractive because of its cost, power and manufacturing advantages, but reach becomes increasingly constrained as signaling rates increase. Active copper cables incorporating re-timers or drivers provide alternative approaches, although they introduce additional power, complexity and interoperability considerations.
The TEF presentations emphasized that 400G signaling requires a holistic system-design approach rather than simply increasing the operating speed of existing SerDes implementations.
Optical Infrastructure: IM-DD, Coherent Optics and Multi-Core Fiber:
Optical interconnects are essential as AI networks expand beyond the practical reach of electrical connections.
TEF 2026 addressed several competing and complementary approaches.
Intensity Modulation/Direct Detection (IM-DD):
IM-DD remains an important approach for short-reach optical interconnections. Its relatively straightforward transmitter and receiver architecture makes it attractive for high-volume data-center deployments. However, increasing bandwidth and reach requirements place additional demands on optical components, signal processing and power efficiency.
Coherent Optics:
Coherent transmission uses information encoded in the amplitude and phase of optical signals, enabling more sophisticated modulation and receiver processing. Although traditionally associated with longer-reach telecommunications applications, coherent technologies are increasingly being considered for high-capacity data-center and AI infrastructure interconnections. TEF discussions included coherent optics inside AI infrastructure and the future of coherent Ethernet.
Multi-Core Fiber:
Multi-core fiber offers another approach to increasing optical capacity and fiber density by transmitting independent optical signals through multiple cores within a single fiber. The TEF program addressed multi-core fiber technology, optical transceivers, connectivity, lane breakouts and polarity management. Commercial implementation will depend on compatible transceivers, connectors, testing methods and interoperability specifications. These approaches illustrate that AI networking will require multiple optical technologies rather than a single universal solution.
CPO, NPO and Pluggable Optics: Competing Architectures:
As electrical signaling rates increase, the location of optical conversion becomes increasingly important. TEF 2026 included discussions of several optical packaging architectures:
- Pluggable optics: Removable optical transceivers connected through standardized electrical interfaces. They offer serviceability and flexibility but require high-speed electrical connections between switching ASICs and optical modules.
- Near-Packaged Optics (NPO): Places optical engines closer to the switching ASIC to reduce electrical interconnect distances.
- Co-Packaged Optics (CPO): Integrates optical engines more closely with the switching ASIC package, potentially reducing electrical power consumption and improving bandwidth density.
These approaches involve different trade-offs in power consumption, thermal management, manufacturing complexity, optical alignment, serviceability and operational reliability. There is no reason to assume that one architecture will displace all others. The appropriate implementation will depend on network topology, port density, reach, cost and operational requirements. Interoperability between optical modules, switching systems and fiber infrastructure remains essential.
Interoperability, Testing, Power and Deployment Challenges:
Higher signaling rates and increasingly complex optical architectures make testing and interoperability more important. TEF 2026 included contributions from VIAVI, Keysight, Teledyne and other test-and-measurement companies. Important challenges include:
- Validating 400 Gb/s-per-lane electrical channels.
- Measuring signal integrity and FEC performance.
- Testing optical transmitters and receivers.
- Verifying interoperability among different vendors’ equipment.
- Characterizing CPO and NPO implementations.
- Addressing congestion management and lossless networking.
- Controlling power consumption and thermal dissipation.
The forum also addressed emerging low-latency networking mechanisms, including Link Layer Retry (LLR) and Credit-Based Flow Control (CBFC). Testing must extend beyond individual components to encompass the complete network system, including electrical channels, optical interfaces, switching equipment and operational behavior. This is particularly important for large AI clusters, where a failure or performance limitation in one part of the network can affect the utilization of many expensive accelerators.
Related development: The challenges of implementing lossless, high-bandwidth Ethernet for AI infrastructure are discussed in an earlier IEEE Techblog article, 1.6T Ethernet Packet Loss Problem Solved: PHY-Layer Buffer Exhaustion with MAC-Layer Credit-Based Flow Control. That article examines how OCP’s Ethernet for Scale-Up Networks (ESUN) specification uses MAC-layer Credit-Based Flow Control (CBFC) and Link-Level Retry (LLR) alongside IEEE 802.3 physical-layer technology.
Conclusions:
The Ethernet Alliance’s October 2026 Technology Exploration Forum demonstrated the breadth of engineering work required to advance Ethernet for AI infrastructure.
The transition toward 400 Gb/s-per-lane signaling involves much more than higher-speed Ethernet ports. It requires coordinated advances in SerDes, electrical signaling, copper channels, optical transmission, packaging, switching architectures, FEC and test methodologies.
IEEE P802.3dv provides an important standards-development framework for 400 Gb/s, 800 Gb/s and 1.6 Tb/s Ethernet interfaces using 400 Gb/s-per-lane signaling. However, achieving practical, interoperable implementations will require continued collaboration across the semiconductor, optical component, equipment, cabling and test-and-measurement industries.
Ethernet’s evolution from a shared-medium 10 Mb/s LAN into a high-performance networking ecosystem is a remarkable engineering achievement. Its next transformation will be measured not simply by signaling rates, but by the ability to deliver scalable, interoperable, power-efficient networking for increasingly demanding AI infrastructure.
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Sidebar: Ethernet Alliance and Its Liaison with the Networking Standards Ecosystem:
The Ethernet Alliance (EA) serves as an industry coordination and adoption organization, connecting Ethernet technology developers, equipment manufacturers, component suppliers and end users with standards-development organizations. It does not develop Ethernet standards or compete with standards bodies. Instead, it promotes standards-based technologies, facilitates industry collaboration, and supports multi-vendor interoperability demonstrations and education.
Its relationships with IEEE 802.3, the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) and ITU-T Study Group 15 (SG15) address complementary aspects of Ethernet’s evolution.
IEEE 802.3 — Ethernet Standards Development:
IEEE 802.3 is the principal standards-development organization responsible for Ethernet MAC and PHY specifications. The Ethernet Alliance maintains a formal liaison relationship with the IEEE 802.3 Working Group, established in 2025. Peter Jones was appointed as the Ethernet Alliance liaison officer, with corresponding liaison coordination established by IEEE 802.3.
This relationship facilitates communication about emerging Ethernet applications, standards-development priorities, interoperability requirements and industry education. Recent cooperation includes the Ethernet Alliance’s TEF 2026 program, focused on Ethernet’s role in AI infrastructure, and IEEE 802.3’s Ethernet for AI (E4AI) assessment activities.
OIF — Optical and Electrical Interconnect Implementation Agreements:
The Optical Internetworking Forum develops Implementation Agreements (IAs) addressing interoperable optical and electrical interfaces, high-speed interconnects and networking technologies. Its work complements IEEE 802.3 by addressing implementation details and interoperability requirements across the broader networking ecosystem.
The Ethernet Alliance and OIF have collaborated on industry demonstrations, including joint demonstrations of Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) traffic. Their complementary activities help connect Ethernet standards and implementations with advanced optical and electrical interconnect technologies.
ITU-T Study Group 15 — Optical Transport Networks and Technologies:
ITU-T SG15 develops international Recommendations for optical transport networks and technologies (OTNT), including Optical Transport Network (OTN) architecture, interfaces, signal structures and transport-network management. Its work is particularly relevant to carrying high-capacity Ethernet client signals over optical transport infrastructure.
IEEE 802.3 and ITU-T SG15 maintain formal standards liaison activities covering Ethernet interfaces, optical transport mappings, fiber technologies and related specifications. Examples include coordination concerning 1.6 Tb/s Ethernet client mapping into OTN and emerging multi-core fiber technologies.
The Ethernet Alliance provides a complementary industry coordination and interoperability perspective. Its activities help communicate Ethernet requirements and implementation developments across the broader optical networking ecosystem.
Why These Relationships Matter:
The three organizations address different but complementary requirements:
- IEEE 802.3: Defines Ethernet MAC and PHY standards.
- OIF: Develops Implementation Agreements and promotes interoperability for optical and electrical interconnects.
- ITU-T SG15: Standardizes optical transport networks, technologies and associated international Recommendations.
The Ethernet Alliance helps connect these activities to industry adoption through education, technical collaboration and multi-vendor interoperability demonstrations. This coordination is increasingly important as Ethernet evolves to support 400 Gb/s-per-lane signaling, 1.6 Tb/s interfaces and large-scale AI networking fabrics.
End Note: The formal Ethernet Alliance (EA)–IEEE 802.3 liaison is documented, whereas the EA–OIF relationship is more informal – described through collaboration and interoperability activities.
Useful supporting references:
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References:
https://ethernetalliance.org/tef-2026-the-ai-future-ethernet/
https://ethernetalliance.org/who-we-are/
https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/802.3dv/12772/
https://www.ieee802.org/3/400GPL/
https://ithistory.org/honoree/ron-c-crane [written by Alan J Weissberger]
https://ethernetalliance.org/voe-robert-garner/
https://www.oiforum.com/meetings-events/speaking-engagements-and-supported-events/
1.6T Ethernet Packet Loss Problem Solved: PHY-Layer Buffer Exhaustion with MAC-Layer Credit-Based Flow Control
2026 OCP Summit: Full-Stack AI Networking Silicon from Nvidia/Cisco and Broadcom; Ethernet vs InfiniBand Interconnects
Analysis: Ethernet gains on InfiniBand in data center connectivity market; White Box/ODM vendors top choice for AI hyperscalers
AI Compute Has a Switchboard Problem: Orchestration & Data Center Fabric Explained
The AI Infrastructure Build-Out: A $10 Trillion Bet on Compute, Power, and Networks
AI-Era Cloud Network Transformation: A Reference Architecture and Implementation Roadmap
OIF Launches 7 New Projects Targeting 448G Electrical Interfaces, 200G Bidirectional Optics and Coherent Link Security
Editorial Note:
ChatGPT was used to assist with historical background research, technical analysis, and editorial suggestions concerning OIF’s role in optical networking interoperability and its relationship with ITU-T. The author reviewed and approved all additions with modifications for technical accuracy.
Introduction:
The Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) has initiated seven new technical projects addressing the rapidly growing bandwidth, power-efficiency, optical connectivity and security requirements of AI infrastructure and next-generation data center networks. The projects were announced November 9th after the OIF Q4 2026 Technical and Market Awareness & Education Committees meeting, held November 2–5 in Bangkok, Thailand.
More than 200 representatives from OIF member companies attended the meeting. The seven initiatives span high-speed electrical interfaces, bidirectional optical transmission, external laser sources, pluggable module management and coherent optical security. Collectively, they address important interconnection challenges as AI computing architectures require increasingly high-bandwidth connections between processors, switches, servers and data centers. All seven initiatives are at project-start stage. No implementation completion dates or independently verified performance gains were announced.
OIF’s Role in Optical Networking Interoperability:
Founded in 1998 (this author attended the very first OIF meeting in September 1998), the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) has played an important role in advancing interoperable optical networking technologies. Its work has evolved from DWDM optical transport interfaces to optical control-plane technologies, including the ITU-T Automatically Switched Optical Network (G.ASON) and IETF Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS), and now encompasses high-speed electrical interfaces, coherent optics, advanced optical packaging and link security.
OIF’s industry-driven Implementation Agreements complement formal standards developed by organizations such as ITU-T and IEEE. By bringing network operators, system vendors, optical component suppliers and test-equipment manufacturers together, OIF helps translate emerging technology requirements into interoperable industry implementations.
Seven New OIF Technical Projects:
1. Energy Efficient Interfaces (EEI) – 448G Retimed Transmit Linear Receive (RTLR)
This project will develop an Implementation Agreement (IA) for a 448 Gbps-per-lane electrical interface using a half-retimed architecture. RTLR combines a retimed transmit path with a linear receive path, offering another architectural option alongside fully retimed and linear interfaces.
The objective is to support higher electrical bandwidth while addressing power consumption, signal integrity and implementation complexity. It complements OIF’s expanding CEI-448G portfolio, which is intended to support the next generation of AI data center interconnects.
2. Bidirectional O-band Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) 200G/Lane
OIF will develop an IA for bidirectional optical connectivity operating at 200 Gbps per lane over O-band single-mode fiber.
Bidirectional transmission offers the potential to increase fiber utilization by supporting two-way communications over a fiber connection. This is relevant to AI scale-up architectures, where large numbers of high-bandwidth connections must be established between compute devices and switching infrastructure.
The project addresses the need for greater optical bandwidth density without proportionally increasing fiber infrastructure.
3. External Laser Small Form Factor Pluggable (ELSFP) IA 3.0
This project will develop the third revision of OIF’s ELSFP Implementation Agreement to address evolving requirements for external laser sources.
External laser architectures are important to co-packaged optics (CPO) and other advanced optical packaging approaches. Separating laser sources from optical engines can provide flexibility in thermal management, laser replacement and system design.
4. Type-3 Elongated ELSFP Supporting Electrical Power Class 8 (40W)
A related project will define an elongated Type-3 ELSFP variant supporting Electrical Power Class 8, rated at 40W.
This higher electrical power capability addresses the requirements of increasingly demanding external laser applications. It is important to distinguish the 40W electrical power classification from optical output power: the announcement does not specify 40W of emitted optical power.
Together, the two ELSFP projects reflect the importance of external laser technology as optical connectivity moves toward higher bandwidth density and more advanced packaging architectures.
5. MACsec Management for Pluggable Modules
OIF will develop an IA addressing management of Media Access Control Security (MACsec) functionality within pluggable modules.
MACsec, specified by IEEE 802.1AE, provides Layer 2 Ethernet link security, including confidentiality, integrity and data-origin authentication.
Bringing MACsec management into pluggable modules creates additional opportunities for consistent security configuration and management across optical networking equipment. This is increasingly relevant as high-speed optical links become integral components of distributed AI and cloud infrastructure.
6. CMIS Management Communication Interface (MCI) over USB
The Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) is widely used to manage optical and electrical pluggable modules and communicate their capabilities and operating status to host systems.
The new project will develop a USB-based Management Communication Interface for CMIS. This provides another mechanism for communicating with and managing pluggable modules.
Standardized module management is essential as networks incorporate increasingly sophisticated optical components from multiple suppliers. It can simplify system integration, diagnostics and maintenance while supporting interoperability across vendors.
7. ZRsec (FlexOsec) for Coherent Optical Interfaces
The final project will define a common implementation approach for FlexOsec Layer 1 encryption in ZR coherent optical applications.
ZR coherent interfaces have become important building blocks for high-capacity data center interconnect (DCI), allowing routers and switches to connect over single-wavelength optical links.
As these links carry increasingly valuable AI, cloud and enterprise traffic, standardized encryption becomes an important consideration. A common approach to Layer 1 security can help vendors develop interoperable coherent optical implementations with consistent security capabilities.
Comment & Analysis:
The Bangkok OIF meeting initiatives span several complementary technical domains rather than a single data rate transition.
- The EEI-448G RTLR effort adds another electrical interface option alongside conventional retimed and linear architectures. Signal integrity, component power and implementation complexity will determine its suitability in next-generation high-density network equipment; the completed specification and interoperability testing will determine practical operating boundaries.
- Bidirectional 200G-per-lane O-band optics could help engineers address fiber utilization in AI scale-up links, although the project announcement does not define a specific accelerator-fabric protocol or system deployment.
- The two ELSFP projects address external laser sourcing and electrical power delivery, considerations for advanced optical packaging architectures. Importantly, a 40W module electrical power class is not a statement of optical output power.
- Security and module management are becoming integral to interface standardization. MACsec management in pluggable modules addresses Ethernet link-level functionality, while ZRsec/FlexOsec targets encryption in coherent optical applications. CMIS communication over USB concerns management access rather than payload bandwidth.
An important aspect of these initiatives is their coverage of multiple layers of the optical networking ecosystem. The 448G electrical and 200G optical projects address physical-layer bandwidth scaling, while the ELSFP initiatives address optical source architecture and power delivery. CMIS and MACsec management address operational interoperability and Ethernet link security, while ZRsec/FlexOsec extends security into coherent optical transport. Collectively, these projects reflect OIF’s continuing role in coordinating industry requirements across electrical, optical and management interfaces.
Impact on the Optical Networking Industry:
The seven initiatives address several interdependent challenges facing the optical networking industry.
- Bandwidth scaling: The 448G-per-lane electrical interface project and 200G-per-lane bidirectional optical project address the need for higher bandwidth density in AI computing systems. As accelerator clusters grow, electrical and optical interconnects must support increasingly demanding traffic volumes without creating unacceptable power and latency penalties.
- Power efficiency and optical packaging: The two ELSFP projects highlight the importance of external laser architectures in advanced optical systems. Higher-power laser applications, co-packaged optics and increasingly dense optical engines require standardized interfaces and management capabilities. Power consumption and thermal management remain major engineering constraints.
- Interoperability and operational management: CMIS and MACsec management projects address the growing complexity of managing and securing pluggable optical modules. Standardized management interfaces can reduce integration difficulties and improve compatibility among equipment and component suppliers.
- Optical link security: ZRsec/FlexOsec extends the industry’s interoperability efforts into coherent optical link encryption. Security must evolve alongside bandwidth and reach rather than remain an afterthought in next-generation network architectures.
These developments reflect challenges discussed by OIF President Nathan Tracy and board member Cathy Liu of Broadcom in a February 19, 2026 Lightwave interview.
Mr. Tracy emphasized that AI and machine-learning operators face difficult trade-offs involving power consumption, transmission reach and the physical connections required between GPUs and other computing resources. He also noted that the industry must agree on electrical and optical interfaces, modulation approaches and latency requirements. The interview highlighted OIF’s ongoing work on CEI-448G, energy-efficient interfaces, coherent optics, CMIS and interoperability. It also emphasized that developing practical solutions requires collaboration among OIF, IEEE, the Ethernet Alliance and other industry organizations. The seven newly initiated projects represent concrete follow-on technical work addressing several of those challenges.
Conclusions:
OIF’s latest initiatives illustrate how optical networking requirements are evolving beyond simply increasing transmission speeds. AI infrastructure requires coordinated advances in electrical signaling, optical connectivity, laser technology, module management and security.
The 448G electrical and 200G bidirectional optical projects are particularly relevant to scaling high-density AI networks. Meanwhile, external laser source development and standardized module management address the power, packaging and operational challenges associated with increasingly sophisticated optical systems.
As coherent optical links become more integral to data center interconnection, strong security will be needed, especially standardized encryption and management capabilities.
As noted above, these seven initiatives are newly initiated technical projects, not completed Implementation Agreements or commercially deployed solutions. Their eventual industry impact will depend on technical consensus, specification development, multi-vendor interoperability testing and commercial implementation.
OIF’s work is important because it brings optical component suppliers, system vendors, network operators and test-equipment companies together to develop common technical approaches. In an AI infrastructure market increasingly constrained by bandwidth, power consumption, physical connectivity and security, that interoperability work is becoming essential to scaling optical networking.
Looking Ahead to 2027:
OIF’s 2027-Q1 Technical and MA&E Committees Meeting will take place Feb. 22–26, 2027, in Charleston, South Carolina.
OIF is where the optical networking industry’s interoperability work gets done. With more than 25 years of effecting forward change in the industry, OIF represents the dynamic ecosystem of 180+ industry leading network operators, system vendors, component vendors and test equipment vendors collaborating to develop interoperable electrical, optical and control solutions that directly impact the industry’s ecosystem and facilitate global connectivity in the open network world. Connect with OIF on LinkedIn, on X, on Bluesky and at https://www.oiforum.com/.
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Sidebar: OIF–ITU-T relationship today (November 2026):
The OIF and ITU-T Study Group 15 (SG15) maintain an active, formal technical liaison relationship. They coordinate optical transport standards, interface specifications, management and interoperability—not by duplicating each other’s work, but by exchanging requirements, technical information and implementation experience. Current evidence includes SG15’s March 2026 liaison to OIF on timestamping accuracy with optical pluggables, followed by OIF’s June 2026 response. OIF is also listed as a liaison organization for current SG15 work on the G.709.1 and G.709.5 optical transport Recommendations.
SG13’s relationship with OIF is less direct. SG13 develops broader future-network architecture, AI-native networking and computing/network integration requirements. Those requirements feed into SG15’s optical-network work, including its ION-2030 framework. SG15 identifies OIF as a potential cooperating organization for optical transport and AI-related optical networking. Thus, the practical OIF relationship today is centered on SG15, with SG13 influencing the broader architectural and requirements environment.
OIF Implementation Agreements are industry-developed specifications intended to facilitate interoperable implementations; they are not ITU-T Recommendations. Liaison and technical coordination between the organizations help ensure that industry implementation requirements and international standards development remain aligned.
| Organization / area | Primary responsibility today | Relationship with OIF |
|---|---|---|
| OIF | Industry-driven implementation agreements and interoperability for optical and electrical interfaces, coherent optics, pluggable modules and related technologies | Develops specifications and implementation agreements; coordinates with standards bodies to promote interoperable implementations |
| ITU-T SG15 | Optical transport, OTN, optical access, fibers, components, physical infrastructure, transport control and management | Direct, active liaison. Exchanges technical liaison statements; OIF is identified in relevant SG15 standards work, including G.709.1 and G.709.5 |
| ITU-T SG13 | Future network architecture, AI/ML for networks, network softwarization, orchestration and computing/network integration | Primarily indirect coordination. Its future-network and AI requirements inform SG15’s optical-network work; current evidence does not establish the same level of direct OIF liaison as SG15 |
In summary, OIF remains an industry implementation and interoperability forum, while ITU-T SG15 provides the international standards framework for optical transport and infrastructure. Their relationship is complementary and active. ITU-T SG13 shapes the broader future-network requirements that increasingly influence this work.
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References:
https://convergedigest.com/oif-seven-projects-448g-ai-optics-zrsec-2026/
OIF Project Highlights: Interoperable 1600ZR+ & Retimed Tx Linear Rx Specs Energy Efficient Interfaces; Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) Whitepaper
Light Counting: optical transceiver sales surge; IEEE 802.3 and ITU-T optical transport standards explained/UEC addendum
Verizon’s $1 Billion Google Dark Fiber Deal Highlights Importance of Optical Networks
Analysis: Nokia’s strong growth in Optical Networks and AI network infrastructure
NTT’s IOWN is (finally) evolving to an All Photonics Network (APN); Physics based AI for enterprise OT
PsiQuantum Targets AI Data Center Networks with Silicon-Photonic Optical Switching
Industry Analysts: Important Optical Networking Trends for 2023
Brooklyn AI-Native 6G Summit Highlights: Verizon’s 7 GHz Field Tests with Ericsson, AI-RAN Demonstrations and Wireless AI Interop
Disclaimer: ChatGPT was used extensively to research the Brooklyn AI-Native 6G Summit, review technical presentations and company announcements, analyze the technologies and demonstrations discussed, and assist with drafting this article. The author reviewed, fact-checked, and edited the material and is 100% responsible for its content.
Introduction:
Verizon’s 7 GHz 6G field testing:
- China’s DeepSig demonstrated an over-the-air AI-RAN system using the open-source OCUDU RAN ecosystem and NVIDIA DGX Spark. Its demonstrations included neural receiver processing, ray-traced channel emulation and AI-based spectrum sensing. This was a meaningful integration demonstration, but publicly available information did not provide independent quantitative results for throughput, latency, spectral efficiency, power consumption or performance against conventional receivers. It therefore should not be interpreted as evidence of commercial readiness.
- InterDigital and Arizona State University (ASU) demonstrated research on interoperable AI-based channel-state-information (CSI) feedback. Their approach uses independently trained encoder and decoder models designed to interoperate without exchanging model parameters or requiring identical architectures. The prototype used an OpenAirInterface-based testbed. The researchers reported performance approaching jointly trained models.
–>This is a potentially important research direction: future wireless systems may need AI models from different suppliers to work together. However, the work remains limited in scope and does not establish a standardized interface or universal multi-vendor interoperability.
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Expanding on AI model interoperability (InterDigital / Arizona State University)
The InterDigital–ASU demonstration on interoperable AI-native Channel State Information (CSI) feedback deserves greater attention than it typically receives at such events. Their live prototype (“From Conventional CSI to Interoperable AI-Native Latent Feedback”) showed that an encoder and decoder trained completely independently—by different parties, without exchanging model parameters or requiring identical architectures—can still achieve performance approaching that of jointly trained models. The work was realized on an OpenAirInterface-based testbed, providing a concrete, over-the-air proof point rather than a purely simulation-based claim.
This matters because CSI feedback is inherently a two-sided AI/ML use case: the UE-side encoder and the gNB-side decoder will frequently come from different vendors in any realistic multi-vendor RAN. 3GPP’s ongoing AI/ML air-interface studies (beginning in Release 18) have already identified CSI compression/enhancement as one of the primary candidates for standardization precisely because of this cross-node dependency. Without well-characterized interfaces for the latent representation, model versioning, performance monitoring, and fallback behavior, operators risk recreating proprietary silos inside an otherwise open or disaggregated RAN architecture.
The technical problem is not merely “can AI compress CSI better?” A more important question if AI models from independent vendors interoperate reliably at scale? The InterDigital/ASU result is an early, encouraging data point that such interoperability is feasible. However, it remains limited in scope: it does not yet define a standardized latent-space interface, multi-vendor conformance testing methodology, or lifecycle management procedures. Those are the harder, longer-term questions that will determine whether AI-native features can actually be deployed across heterogeneous networks rather than remaining confined to single-vendor islands.
As AI-RAN concepts mature, progress on model interoperability—starting with CSI feedback and extending to other two-sided functions such as beam management or positioning—will likely prove as important as advances in model accuracy itself.
Physical AI and distributed infrastructure:
Another demonstration connected humanoid robots in Singapore with synchronized digital twins in Brooklyn. The project brought together Singapore’s Future Communications Program, NeuroRAN, Qualcomm Technologies, NVIDIA and MediaTek. Its workflow combined AI model selection, action generation, digital-twin validation and execution over a 5G/AI-RAN connection.
The demonstration illustrated how wireless connectivity, edge computing and AI orchestration could support remotely coordinated physical systems. However, the public description did not provide detailed measurements of end-to-end latency, synchronization accuracy, packet loss or operational reliability.
More broadly, the Brooklyn 6G Summit emphasized that AI-native networks will require coordination across mobile networks, cloud and edge computing, data-center switching, IP and optical transport. These infrastructure requirements are important, but the event did not establish a proven commercial business model for AI-RAN or AI-native 6G services.
Conclusions:
The Summit’s most useful contribution was to highlight both the opportunities and the engineering challenges facing AI-native 6G. Verizon’s 7 GHz trials exposed the propagation and coverage trade-offs associated with higher-frequency spectrum, emphasizing that future hardware architectures must evolve to overcome severe indoor building penetration limitations. DeepSig demonstrated an integrated AI-RAN research system, while InterDigital and Arizona State University explored a potentially important approach to interoperability between independently trained wireless AI models.
The Physical AI demonstration illustrated how wireless connectivity and distributed computing could support connected robotic systems. Ultimately, this 6G event underscored that scaling these technologies relies heavily on navigating broader, systemic bottlenecks. Chief among these is a shared sense of urgency regarding infrastructure power constraints, which threaten to restrict high-capacity AI-RAN and edge deployment at scale.
True commercial realization will not come from advancing computing, AI, or networking in isolation, but through their absolute, cross-layer convergence into a workload-aware, distributed infrastructure. These developments are worth watching, but they should not be confused with standardized, commercially deployable 6G technology. Significant work remains in radio performance, spectrum availability, AI model interoperability, network architecture, and deployment economics.
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Editor’s Note: This summary is based on publicly available Summit announcements, demonstration descriptions, the published agenda and post-event reporting. Presentation slides and full session recordings were not publicly available at the time of writing. Where detailed performance data were unavailable, claims are attributed to the participating organizations.
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References:
IEEE.tv — Brooklyn AI-Native 6G Summit
https://www.lightreading.com/6g/verizon-cto-assesses-7ghz-band-for-6g-after-first-call-in-the-field
Nokia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og3f2v_WTSk
Highlights and Summary of the 2025 Brooklyn 6G Summit
ATIS Proposes Wireless Physical-Layer Foundation Models for AI-Native 6G Networks
6G Architecture and Economics: Core Network Evolution, AI Integration and Business Case
IMT-2030/6G Spectrum Sharing: The Roles of WRC-27, NTIA and ITU-R WP 5D
Perspective & Analysis of ITU-R Workshop on IMT-2030 (6G) terrestrial radio interfaces: February 10, 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland
AI-Native 6G RAN in Practice: Research and Validation Insights from 6G-MIRAI-HARMONY
Warning: 6G core network must not repeat the 5G SA 3GPP architecture specs vs lack of interoperable standards
Sept 2026 3GPP meeting updates for 5G Advanced and 6G planning (with timeline for submisson to ITU-R WP 5D via ATIS)
FCC plans 6G spectrum auctions before IMT 2030 frequencies have been identified and without a 6G frequency arrangement standard
How NTIA “Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security” might influence 6G/IMT-2030 standards and 3GPP specifications
Autonomous customer experience required for AI-Native 6G and distributed intelligence at the network edge
Toshiba Wins UK Contract to Advance Commercial Quantum Networking: Can It Leverage Existing Optical Fiber Infrastructure?
Disclaimer: ChatGPT was used extensively to research and analyze the references cited in this article. The author provided editorial guidance and direction, reviewed the material, and is 100% responsible for the article’s final content.
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Introduction:
Toshiba Europe has been awarded a contract by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to develop technologies intended to accelerate the commercial deployment of quantum networks. The Innovate UK-funded project targets scalable, multi-user quantum networks, but specialized Physical-layer requirements and deployment economics could limit their integration with conventional carrier optical networks. The project will focus on technologies for long-distance quantum links and multi-user quantum networks, with prototype subsystems evaluated under realistic operating conditions.
The contract was awarded through Innovate UK’s Enabling Commercial Quantum Networking competition, which supports UK companies developing components and subsystems for quantum networks. The competition represents a combined £20 million investment in the UK’s quantum technology ecosystem and aims to strengthen domestic capabilities across the emerging quantum networking supply chain.
The project supports the UK’s National Quantum Strategy, which includes an ambition to deploy advanced quantum networks at scale by 2035 and establish foundations for a future quantum internet. Such networks could eventually enable quantum information to be distributed among geographically separated quantum computers and other quantum systems.
Toshiba will develop and evaluate prototype subsystems designed to make quantum networks easier and more economical to expand using the UK’s existing optical fiber infrastructure. The work will investigate more efficient utilization of network resources and management of connectivity as the number of connected users and sites increases. Improved resource utilization could reduce infrastructure requirements and capital expenditures while making quantum networking services more accessible to telecommunications operators and customers.
UK network operators BT and Colt Technology Services will collaborate on validating the technology against practical network deployment and operational requirements.
Quantum networking and telecommunications infrastructure:
A significant longer-term application of quantum networking is connecting quantum processors located in separate data centers so that they can potentially work together on distributed computational tasks. Interconnecting quantum processors could expand the computational resources available to researchers and organizations and contribute to advances in areas such as pharmaceutical discovery and materials science. However, scaling quantum networks presents substantial engineering challenges. Unlike conventional optical communications, which transmit classical information using light, quantum networks must distribute and preserve fragile quantum states. This introduces requirements for specialized optical components, quantum-state management, synchronization and, ultimately, quantum repeaters capable of extending quantum communications over longer distances.
Integration with existing carrier fiber infrastructure is another important consideration. Network operators must address fiber loss, optical signal coexistence, routing, resource allocation and operational management while accommodating the specialized requirements of quantum communications.
One potential approach is to multiplex quantum and conventional data channels over the same optical fiber using wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM). This could avoid the expense of deploying entirely separate fiber networks. However, conventional optical signals can introduce noise and other impairments that degrade quantum channels. Raman scattering, optical power levels, fiber attenuation and losses introduced by multiplexers and other optical components all require careful engineering.
Furthermore, conventional optical amplifiers cannot simply be used to amplify unknown quantum states because of the quantum no-cloning principle. Quantum repeaters, which are needed to extend quantum communications over longer distances without relying on conventional amplification, remain a significant technology-development challenge.
Consequently, sharing existing fiber infrastructure does not necessarily mean that quantum networks can use conventional carrier optical equipment, transmission systems and operational procedures without substantial modification.
Image Created by ChatGPT
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Can quantum networking become an economically viable extension of carrier optical networks?
This is arguably the most important commercial question surrounding Toshiba’s project. The telecommunications industry has a long history of investing in promising optical networking technologies that did not achieve their anticipated commercial potential. During the 1998–2002 optical networking boom period, substantial investment went into photonic switching and all-optical networking. The vision was to eliminate repeated optical-electrical-optical (O-E-O) conversions, allowing data to remain in the optical domain throughout the network. That was supposed to usher in ultra-long-haul, repeater-less optical transmission. Photonic switches were expected to deliver enormous capacity improvements, reduce equipment complexity and lower network costs.
Despite considerable technical development and industry investment, all-optical switching did not become the dominant architecture envisioned by its proponents. Although optical circuit switches, MEMS-based photonic switches and ROADMs achieved commercial deployment in carrier networks, the broader vision of entirely photonic networking—with switching logic and control performed optically and without electronic processing—never became a commercially viable mainstream architecture. Conventional optical transport networks instead evolved through improvements in WDM, coherent optics, optical amplification, electronic switching and increasingly sophisticated optical-electrical-optical interfaces. The telecommunications industry ultimately favored hybrid optical-electronic networks.
Quantum networking could face a comparable commercialization problem. The ability to demonstrate quantum communication over existing fiber does not establish that a scalable, economically competitive carrier network can be built using conventional optical infrastructure.
There have been encouraging demonstrations of quantum and classical communications sharing the same fiber. For example, Toshiba and KDDI reported in March 2025 a demonstration carrying 33.4 Tbps of conventional data traffic alongside quantum key distribution (QKD) over an 80-kilometer fiber. This is an important proof of technical feasibility, but it does not establish the economics of a nationwide, multi-user quantum network.
There are also fundamental differences among quantum networking applications. QKD distributes cryptographic keys, while entanglement-based networking and distributed quantum computing require additional capabilities and substantially different performance characteristics. Success in multiplexing QKD with conventional traffic does not automatically demonstrate that geographically distributed quantum computers can be interconnected economically.
My assessment is that quantum networking is more likely, at least initially, to require specialized infrastructure and equipment than to become a straightforward extension of today’s carrier optical transport networks. Existing fiber may be reusable in selected applications, particularly metropolitan links and carefully engineered WDM deployments. But specialized quantum transmitters, detectors, synchronization systems, quantum memories, repeaters and associated control systems could impose substantial additional capital and operating expenses.
The economics become even more challenging when dedicated fiber, trusted intermediate nodes, environmental controls and specialized maintenance are required. Carrier operators will need to justify these costs against the actual revenue-generating applications and the alternatives available to customers.
The US and European quantum networking research communities have demonstrated that coexistence with conventional optical traffic is possible. Nevertheless, practical quantum repeaters, long-distance entanglement distribution, multi-vendor interoperability and scalable network management remain important obstacles.
It is therefore premature to assume that quantum networking will develop into a broadly deployed carrier service simply because existing fiber can be used in selected demonstrations.
The photonic switching experience of 1998–2002 is a useful cautionary precedent: technically impressive demonstrations and substantial R&D investment do not necessarily translate into commercially successful network architectures.
Toshiba’s quantum technology background:
The project builds on more than 25 years of Toshiba research and development in quantum technologies. The company recently introduced its Quantum-Safe Networking (QSN) Platform, designed to help organizations integrate quantum-safe protection into existing communications networks with reduced complexity, equipment footprint and cost.
It is important to distinguish these two technology areas. Quantum networking seeks to distribute quantum information and connect geographically separated quantum systems. Quantum-safe networking, by contrast, protects conventional communications against current and anticipated future cryptographic threats, including those posed by sufficiently powerful quantum computers.
Although related through their use of quantum technologies, these are distinct applications with different architectures, infrastructure requirements and deployment objectives.
Conclusions:
Toshiba’s collaboration with BT and Colt is a worthwhile technology-development effort addressing a genuine challenge: how to scale quantum networking without incurring the prohibitive cost of building entirely new fiber infrastructure. However, the critical test is not whether quantum signals can coexist with conventional data traffic over selected fiber links. It is whether the complete quantum networking architecture—including its specialized optical components, repeaters, control systems, maintenance requirements and operating costs—can deliver sufficient commercial value to justify deployment by telecommunications operators. Until that economic and technical case is demonstrated at meaningful scale, expectations for quantum networking as a natural extension of existing carrier optical infrastructure should remain guarded.
The historical lesson from the 1998–2002 photonic switching and all-optical networking boom is not that optical switching failed altogether. Rather, the ambitious vision of an entirely optical network, eliminating electronic switching and processing throughout the network, never materialized. Commercial optical switching did succeed, particularly at the wavelength and circuit layers, through technologies such as MEMS switches and reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs). However, electronic switching, processing and control remained essential components of commercial carrier networks. The industry ultimately adopted hybrid optical-electronic architectures rather than the fully photonic networks originally envisioned.
Quantum networking faces a similar commercialization challenge. Will it establish economically viable applications as a specialized extension of conventional optical networks, leveraging existing fiber wherever technically feasible? Or will its unique physical-layer requirements—including quantum repeaters, specialized transmitters and detectors, synchronization and stringent signal-management requirements—necessitate largely separate infrastructure with substantially higher deployment and operating costs? The ability to demonstrate quantum communications over existing fiber is encouraging, but does not establish that a scalable, commercially competitive carrier-network architecture is achievable. Ultimately, as with photonic switching, technical feasibility must translate into compelling economics and sustainable customer demand.
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References:
Toshiba awarded contract to advance commercial quantum networking in the UK
UK Government – Quantum Key Distribution Research Report
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/quantum-key-distribution-research-report/quantum-key-distribution-research-report
GSMA – Quantum Technologies and Telecom Use Cases (PDF)
https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/quantum-technologies/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IG.19-Quantum-Technologies-Telcom-Use-Cases.pdf
CNAS – The Entanglement Edge (May 2026)
https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/the-entanglement-edge
Nature – Quantum and Classical Coexistence over Hollow-Core Fiber
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41534-025-01125-7
ARCEP – Quantum Technologies and Their Impact on Networks (June 2026, PDF)
https://en.arcep.fr/uploads/tx_gspublication/futur-networks-briefing-note-quantum-technologies_june2026.pdf
PsiQuantum Targets AI Data Center Networks with Silicon-Photonic Optical Switching
2026 OCP Summit: Full-Stack AI Networking Silicon from Nvidia/Cisco and Broadcom; Ethernet vs InfiniBand Interconnects
Goldman Sachs report: Optical Networking is the next mega trend in AI infrastructure
2026 Fiber Connect Keynote: “The Future of Fiber Optics: AI and the Quantum”
IBM to Build World’s First Large-Scale, Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computer – Starling
Countdown to Q-day: How modern-day Quantum and AI collusion could lead to The Death of Encryption
Ultra-secure quantum messages sent a record distance over a fiber optic network
Google’s new quantum computer chip Willow infinitely outpaces the world’s fastest supercomputers
Quantum Computers and Qubits: IDTechEx report; Alice & Bob whitepaper & roadmap
Bloomberg on Quantum Computing: appeal, who’s building them, how does it work?
Ericsson Expands 5G Beyond Connectivity: Drone Detection, NATO Military Networks and Cross-Border Emergency Communications
Disclaimer: ChatGPT was used extensively for research, source summarization, and drafting assistance in preparing this article. The author reviewed and edited the material and assumes full responsibility for its accuracy, technical content, and conclusions.
Introduction:
Ericsson is advancing the use of 5G mobile networks for applications beyond conventional communications, including drone detection, military connectivity and cross-border emergency response. Two recent Ericsson announcements highlight how mobile-network infrastructure can provide both a new layer of situational awareness and secure, resilient communications for defense and public safety.
1. Ericsson Introduces 5G Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) for Drone Detection
Ericsson has introduced its Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) System, which adds sensing capabilities to mobile networks to detect and track moving objects, including drones that are not connected to the network. Ericsson says their ISAC System closes the low-altitude, wide-area detection gap by transforming the mobile network into a new layer of situational awareness. Using sensing-capable 5G radios, edge computing, AI and signal processing, it detects objects that are not connected to the network and maintains tracks across the coverage area, complementing radar and other sensors rather than replacing them.
The technology addresses a growing security challenge: detecting small, low-flying drones across wide geographic areas. Their size and flight characteristics make them difficult to detect using conventional surveillance systems. While dedicated radar and other sensors will remain important for protecting critical infrastructure, extending their coverage across large areas can require substantial additional infrastructure.
Ericsson’s ISAC approach uses existing mobile-network infrastructure to provide another layer of detection and situational awareness. It combines sensing-capable 5G radios, edge computing, AI and signal processing to identify objects through analysis of radio signals reflected from their surroundings.
How Ericsson ISAC Works:
The system employs a multi-static sensing architecture, in which radio-signal transmission and reception are distributed across multiple geographically separated mobile-network sites. Rather than relying on a single sensing location, multiple sites observe objects from different angles.
This approach is intended to improve detection confidence, positioning accuracy, tracking continuity and coverage resilience. Existing mobile-network infrastructure—including towers, backhaul and spectrum—is used to generate tracking data and AI-based object classification.
Ericsson reports that validated tests have reliably detected and tracked micro-drones at kilometer-scale distances, with precise 3D positioning. Actual performance depends on target characteristics and flight profile, sensing geometry, terrain, surrounding conditions and system configuration.
The resulting sensing information can be securely shared through standardized interfaces with authorized external systems, including security and command-and-control platforms. Combined with conventional radar, acoustic sensors and other detection technologies, ISAC can provide a more complete operational picture.
Photo Credit: Ericsson
Field Demonstrations and Commercial Availability:
Ericsson has evaluated the technology in several live 5G demonstrations:
- AT&T, Arlington, Texas: Ericsson and AT&T demonstrated detection, location and tracking of multiple drones, with activity displayed on sensing dashboards.
- Erillisverkot, Helsinki, Finland: Multiple 5G sites were used to detect and track drones, demonstrating the potential for public safety and counter-unmanned aircraft system (counter-UAS) applications.
- Poland: Ericsson, mobile operator Play and technology company Asseco combined 5G-based ISAC with Asseco’s PUSZCZYK acoustic detection system to improve detection and positioning of low-flying drones.
Ericsson plans to introduce the ISAC System commercially in phases. Selected customers are expected to begin small-scale, sensing-only commercial pilots in 2027, followed by broader sensing deployments from 2028. Integrated communications capabilities will be added as the solution evolves toward 6G. The initial commercial offering therefore focuses on network sensing rather than a fully integrated sensing-and-communications 6G network. Potential applications extend beyond military drone detection to public safety, protection of ports and power plants, transportation infrastructure, industrial environments and future low-altitude drone traffic management.
Executive Quotes:
Carl Lundqvist, Chief Architect, Swedish Armed Forces HQ, says: “Detecting small drones across large areas is a growing operational challenge. The possibility of using distributed infrastructure to complement existing sensors could provide an important additional layer of situational awareness.”
Shawn Hakl, SVP & Head of Product, AT&T Business, says: “The next evolution of connectivity is about networks that don’t just move data but help organizations with insights to better understand and respond to the events in the real world. Bringing Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) capabilities into existing 5G infrastructure can provide telemetry and intelligence in situations where it is not possible or desirable to pre-deploy sensors or cameras. Deploying this technology in a complex environment like a stadium is an important example of how intelligent networks can drive better safety and security outcomes from infrastructure already in place.”
Antti Kauppinen, CTO, Erillisverkot, says: “The Ericsson ISAC System shows that dual-use technology can strengthen national security by extending sensing capabilities to help authorities protect people and critical infrastructure. Together with Ericsson, we are exploring how this capability can be developed responsibly to enhance Finland’s resilience, security, and preparedness.”
2. 5G for NATO Military Communications and Cross-Border Emergency Services
Ericsson’s November 5th announcement also highlights the expanding role of 5G in military communications and emergency response across Nordic countries and Europe.
Swedish Armed Forces and NATO Innovation Range:
The Swedish Armed Forces, supported by the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV), are working with Telia and Ericsson to establish advanced 5G capabilities for military communications and applications. Telia has been selected to develop, build and manage a dedicated 5G network for the Swedish Armed Forces, working with Ericsson, which supplies the infrastructure for Telia’s nationwide mobile network. Sweden and Finland have been given a leading role in NATO’s connectivity innovation through the NATO Innovation Range initiative [1.]. The Swedish Armed Forces has been tasked by its government with establishing an innovation platform for developing and evaluating next-generation wireless networks as part of NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan.
Note 1. The NATO Innovation Range is a NATO initiative led by Sweden and Finland to develop, test and evaluate next-generation military communications technologies, particularly advanced 5G and future 6G wireless networks, under realistic operational conditions. Its objective is to accelerate adoption of secure, resilient and interoperable military communications across NATO forces.
The Swedish Armed Forces’ 5G capability will use nationwide network coverage while providing the ability to extend coverage at military bases and deploy temporary 5G solutions in the field, including at military unit locations and emergency airbases.
The plans also include 5G equipment on military assets such as amphibious craft, frigates and transport aircraft. Satellite-based systems could be integrated over the longer term to improve availability and resilience. Importantly, the new 5G capability is intended to complement existing military communications systems rather than replace them.
The Swedish Armed Forces specifically identifies 5G Standalone (SA) as an enabling technology. 5G-Advanced (3GPP Release 18 and subsequent releases), including 5G Standalone (SA) deployments, can support secure and prioritized communications, high availability and connectivity for large numbers of systems and sensors. Combining 5G with AI and cloud-based services is expected to accelerate the development of military applications and improve coordination between military organizations and civilian critical-infrastructure operators.
Swedish Armed Forces – connectivity in the field. Photo courtesy of Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten)
The initiative builds on the earlier NorthStar innovation program operated by Telia and Ericsson, where 5G has been tested for military applications. The NATO Innovation Range platform is intended to move beyond experimentation toward developing and evaluating next-generation wireless networks and translating successful technologies into operational military capabilities.
A November 4 demonstration at Revingehed, Sweden, showed how advanced 5G sensing can be used to detect drones and improve military situational awareness. This connects directly with Ericsson’s newly introduced ISAC System described in the first section of this article.
European Commission Proposes an EU Critical Communication System:
Separately, the European Commission proposed a new EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS) on September 30, 2026, to improve secure and resilient communications among emergency services across the 27 EU member states and four Schengen-associated countries.
Existing national critical-communications systems are not sufficiently interconnected or technically compatible. The proposed EUCCS is intended to address that fragmentation by connecting police, firefighters, emergency medical services and other civil-protection organizations across national borders. The system would enable first responders to exchange data, video, messages and geolocation information in real time through a single secure device. The proposal calls for all 31 participating countries to gradually transition from narrowband radio systems to broadband technologies such as 5G. EU satellite systems would provide additional backup connectivity when terrestrial networks are incapacitated, including during power outages.
The proposed architecture also includes:
- A European Union Network Monitoring Centre, providing a secure and resilient optical-fiber network through which participating countries can connect.
- A European Union Security Monitoring Centre, responsible for monitoring cybersecurity risks, assessing threats and supporting participating member states.
- Encryption and security protocols intended to protect communications against cyber and hybrid attacks.
While interconnected at the European level, individual member states would retain control over their national networks and governance. The EUCCS remains a legislative proposal requiring adoption by the European Parliament and Council. The European Commission anticipates a gradual rollout, with member states beginning to connect from 2030.
Analysis: 5G Becomes More Than a Communications Network:
These developments illustrate two related but distinct directions for mobile-network technology.
- Ericsson’s ISAC System demonstrates how existing 5G radio infrastructure can be extended to provide distributed sensing capabilities. By analyzing reflected radio signals across multiple network sites, mobile networks can potentially detect and track objects that conventional communications systems were never designed to identify.
- The Swedish military initiative and proposed EU Critical Communication System demonstrate the importance of secure, resilient and interoperable broadband connectivity for defense and emergency services.
Both developments point toward a broader role for mobile networks in national security and critical infrastructure. However, the Swedish military network, Ericsson’s commercial ISAC offering and the proposed EUCCS are separate initiatives at different stages of development. For 5G-Advanced and the evolution toward 6G/IMT-2030, integrated sensing, AI-enabled network capabilities, edge computing and mission-critical communications represent important areas of technology development. Their ultimate value will depend on demonstrated performance, security, interoperability and successful deployment—not simply the availability of new network features.
ISAC is explicitly identified as one of six IMT-2030 usage scenarios in Recommendation ITU-R M.2160 “Framework and overall objectives of the future development of IMT for 2030 and beyond.” It is included in ITU-R WP 5D’s developing technical performance and evaluation framework. In June 2026, WP 5D completed its draft evaluation guidelines, which include ISAC-specific test environments (Indoor Factory-ISAC and Urban Macro-ISAC) and extended channel models to support sensing capabilities in candidate IMT-2030 (6G) terrestrial Radio Interface Technologies (RITs) and Sets of Radio Interface Technologies (SRITs). This makes integrated sensing a recognized component of the global 6G framework rather than simply an individual vendor’s innovation.
Conclusions:
Ericsson’s ISAC development and the expanding use of 5G for military and cross-border emergency communications illustrate how mobile networks are evolving beyond traditional connectivity. ISAC adds a distributed sensing capability that could turn existing cellular infrastructure into an additional layer of drone detection and situational awareness, while 5G Standalone provides a broadband foundation for secure, resilient and prioritized communications. Together, these developments expand the potential role of mobile networks in defense, public safety and protection of critical infrastructure.
However, important challenges remain, including demonstrated sensing accuracy under diverse operating conditions, cybersecurity, network resilience, interoperability and the integration of terrestrial and satellite connectivity. The Swedish NATO Innovation Range initiative and the proposed EU Critical Communication System represent different approaches to addressing these requirements. Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on proven operational performance and interoperability—not simply the deployment of 5G infrastructure. They also offer a practical pathway for advancing capabilities that will be important in the evolution from 5G-Advanced toward 6G.
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References:
https://www.ericsson.com/en/news/2026/11/nations-tap-5g-for-defense-and-cross-border-emergency-comms
https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/kontakt/press-och-media/sverige-och-finland-far-ledande-roll-i-natos/
https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-M.2160/en
4.8 GHz to 4.9 GHz frequency band uses & Verizon Wireless experimental license for testing ISAC with Ericsson
AT&T/Ericsson Demonstrate 5G-Based ISAC for Drone Detection at World Cup Stadium
Analysis: Cohere’s $28M U.S. DoD FutureG ISAC contract; OTFS vs OFDM; 6G-NR/IMT 2030 RIT standards outlook
Analysis & Implications of the Communications Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (C2 ISAC)
Verizon and Ericsson Advance AI-Native RAN Operations with Nationwide EIC Rollout
Skeptical Analysis: SpaceX Selects Qualcomm for Nationwide Terrestrial 5G Network; Impact on Big 3 U.S. Wireless Carriers
Disclosure: ChatGPT was used extensively for research, technical analysis, and drafting assistance in this article. The author reviewed and fact-checked the material and is responsible for the final content.
Executive Summary:
SpaceX has selected Qualcomm Technologies’ Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms to provide the radio and baseband technology for Starlink Mobile’s planned nationwide U.S. terrestrial 5G network. The multi-year agreement calls for deployment across tens of thousands of macro cell sites, with initial rollout expected to begin in 2027. Qualcomm characterized the agreement as its largest 5G infrastructure deal to date. Financial terms were not disclosed. The agreement represents a major expansion of Qualcomm’s role in cellular infrastructure beyond its established position in mobile-device processors and modems. For SpaceX, it is an important step toward building a terrestrial mobile network that complements its Starlink satellite constellation and could eventually compete directly with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
Qualcomm’s announcement highlighted:
- Qualcomm Technologies is supplying its Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms to support Starlink Mobile’s planned nationwide U.S. terrestrial 5G network.
- Featuring Massive MIMO, power-efficient processing, and commercial-grade Layer 1 software, Dragonwing QRU100 and QDU100 platforms support Starlink’s nationwide network deployment.
- SpaceX plans for U.S. nationwide deployment rollout to begin in 2027, with tens of thousands of sites deployed over the multi-year agreement.
Unlike Starlink’s existing direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service, the new deployment involves conventional terrestrial cellular infrastructure, including base stations, radio units and distributed-unit processing. The planned network will use Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QRU100 and QDU100 platforms, together with commercial-grade Physical Layer software.
“Building a nationwide network demands high performance and power efficiency at every site. Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms bring together advanced Massive MIMO, purpose-built processing and commercial-grade Physical Layer software to help Starlink deliver an exceptional nationwide network,” said Durga Malladi, EVP & GM, Technology Planning, Edge Solutions, and Data Center, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Together with SpaceX, we are building world-leading cellular infrastructure in the United States, advancing 5G today, with an opportunity to lay the foundation for AI-native 6G in the years ahead.”
“We shouldn’t live in a time where phone calls are still dropping whether you’re at home or on-the-go. Starlink is building the first fully-integrated nationwide satellite and terrestrial network that will keep people connected no matter where they are. We’re excited to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies and leverage their industry expertise and platform to accelerate our timeline to develop our base station end-to-end architecture,” said Michael Nicolls, Senior Vice President of Starlink.
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Technical Architecture of Qualcomm Dragonwing:
The SpaceX-Qualcomm agreement covers two principal building blocks of the 5G Radio Access Network (RAN):
1. Dragonwing QRU100 – Radio Unit Processing
The QRU100 platform provides highly integrated processing for Massive MIMO radio units. SpaceX plans to deploy 64T64R (64 transmit and 64 receive paths) Massive MIMO configurations.
Massive MIMO uses multiple antenna elements to transmit and receive multiple spatial streams. Combined with beamforming, it can direct radio energy toward individual users or groups of users rather than distributing it uniformly across a cell sector.
This approach can improve spectral efficiency, increase sector capacity and enhance coverage, particularly in environments with substantial user density and interference.
The 64T64R configuration is a significant capability for a nationwide macro-cell deployment. However, actual performance will depend on spectrum bandwidth, propagation conditions, antenna configuration, interference management and network loading.
2. Dragonwing QDU100 – Distributed Unit Processing
The QDU100 provides high-performance processing for latency-sensitive Layer 1 (L1) baseband functions.
In a 5G RAN, the distributed unit (DU) handles time-sensitive baseband processing and communicates with the radio unit (RU). This processing includes important physical-layer functions required for transmitting and receiving cellular signals. Qualcomm is supplying both the radio-unit and distributed-unit building blocks, along with commercial-grade Physical Layer software. This gives SpaceX an integrated radio and baseband technology foundation for its planned terrestrial network.
However, Qualcomm is a relatively new entrant in the macro-cell RAN equipment market, and its Dragonwing platforms do not yet have the extensive commercial deployment history of established suppliers such as Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung. Although Qualcomm has secured some early commercial deployments, these do not establish that its QRU100 and QDU100 platforms can deliver the reliability, performance, interoperability and power efficiency required across a nationwide network involving tens of thousands of sites. The SpaceX agreement therefore represents both a major opportunity for Qualcomm and a substantial test of its ability to compete in the cellular infrastructure market.
Power Efficiency and Network Economics:
Power consumption is an important consideration when deploying tens of thousands of macro cell sites. Massive MIMO radios and baseband processing can require substantial electrical power, particularly when operating at high capacity. Qualcomm says its Dragonwing platforms are designed to improve performance per watt across radio and distributed-unit processing.
If these efficiency improvements are achieved in commercial deployments, they could reduce operating expenses and improve the economics of building and operating a nationwide network.
Qualcomm also describes the architecture as flexible and evolvable, supporting a multiband network deployed in multiple rollout phases.
However, the companies have not disclosed all the technical details needed to evaluate the complete RAN implementation, including specific operating bands, fronthaul interfaces, functional splits and interoperability arrangements.
Terrestrial 5G and Satellite Connectivity: An Integrated Network Strategy:
SpaceX’s longer-term objective is to combine terrestrial cellular infrastructure with its satellite constellation to provide more comprehensive mobile coverage.
Terrestrial 5G macro cells will provide the primary capacity layer in populated areas, where conventional cellular infrastructure can support higher traffic volumes and more consistent indoor connectivity.
Starlink satellites can complement terrestrial coverage in remote locations, rural areas and places where deploying conventional cell sites is economically difficult.
This hybrid architecture could offer advantages over relying exclusively on either terrestrial cellular networks or satellite-to-device connectivity.
However, the November 4 Qualcomm agreement is specifically focused on the terrestrial 5G portion of Starlink Mobile. It should not be confused with an announcement about a new satellite radio interface or a completed satellite-to-terrestrial interoperability solution.
The immediate technical challenge is building a high-capacity terrestrial RAN that can use SpaceX’s spectrum resources efficiently while integrating with its broader satellite connectivity strategy.
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Implications for the Three Major U.S. Wireless Carriers:
The Qualcomm agreement advances SpaceX’s ambition to become a facilities-based wireless network operator rather than remaining primarily a satellite connectivity provider or wholesale partner.
That creates a potential new competitive threat to AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Nevertheless, the threat should be viewed as a multiyear development rather than an immediate challenge to their existing nationwide networks.
The three established carriers have extensive spectrum holdings, tower infrastructure, fiber backhaul, established retail distribution, enterprise relationships and millions of existing subscribers. Replicating those capabilities will require substantial investment and years of execution.
1. AT&T
AT&T could face additional competition in consumer wireless, particularly if Starlink Mobile eventually offers competitive nationwide coverage and bundles satellite broadband with terrestrial mobile service. AT&T has invested heavily in its 5G network and fiber infrastructure. Its established customer base, extensive fiber footprint and enterprise relationships provide competitive advantages that SpaceX will not quickly replicate. The more important longer-term question is whether SpaceX can offer an attractive combination of terrestrial 5G capacity and satellite coverage at a price that encourages AT&T subscribers to switch.
2. Verizon
Verizon faces a similar potential competitive challenge, particularly in premium wireless services and enterprise connectivity. Verizon has invested substantially in C-band 5G and Massive MIMO technology to increase network capacity and improve performance. SpaceX’s planned 64T64R architecture demonstrates that it intends to compete using sophisticated terrestrial RAN technology rather than relying exclusively on satellite coverage. Verizon’s existing network scale, spectrum resources and enterprise customer relationships are significant competitive advantages. Nevertheless, a well-funded new entrant could increase pricing pressure and force additional investment in capacity, coverage and customer retention.
3. T-Mobile
T-Mobile faces a particularly interesting situation because it already has a Starlink partnership for satellite-to-mobile connectivity. That relationship provides T-Mobile customers with satellite connectivity in areas where conventional cellular coverage is unavailable. However, SpaceX’s planned terrestrial network introduces a potential conflict: today’s satellite connectivity partner could become tomorrow’s direct wireless competitor. T-Mobile has extensive 5G spectrum resources and a substantial competitive advantage from its existing nationwide network. It also has experience integrating satellite connectivity into its mobile service offerings. The strategic question is whether T-Mobile can preserve the benefits of its Starlink relationship while competing against SpaceX’s expanding terrestrial infrastructure business.
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Qualcomm’s Expanding Role in Cellular Infrastructure:
The agreement is also significant for Qualcomm’s position in the telecommunications equipment supply chain. Qualcomm is best known for its Snapdragon mobile processors and cellular modem technology. Its Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms represent an expansion into the radio and baseband processing equipment used in cellular networks.
Qualcomm said the equipment would provide a flexible foundation for a multi-band network, which can be deployed in stages. The initial rollout will focus on terrestrial 5G, with the architecture designed to accommodate developments in connectivity and network intelligence.
The SpaceX agreement gives Qualcomm a major opportunity to establish its infrastructure technology in a large-scale U.S. network deployment. It also places Qualcomm in a more prominent competitive position alongside established cellular infrastructure technology suppliers.
The commercial success of this effort will depend on more than winning a major customer. Qualcomm must demonstrate that its radio and baseband platforms can meet carrier-grade requirements for performance, reliability, interoperability and power efficiency at scale.
A Potential New Competitor in U.S. Wireless Infrastructure?
SpaceX’s selection of Qualcomm Dragonwing for its planned nationwide terrestrial 5G network is more consequential than another satellite-to-phone announcement. It demonstrates that SpaceX intends to build substantial terrestrial cellular infrastructure using advanced Massive MIMO radio technology and dedicated baseband processing.
The planned deployment of tens of thousands of sites, beginning in 2027, represents a significant undertaking. However, a deployment announcement does not establish that nationwide coverage, competitive network performance or attractive operating economics have been achieved.
For AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, the immediate competitive threat remains limited because SpaceX’s terrestrial network buildout has not yet been demonstrated and its financing and execution remain uncertain (more in the section below). Their established infrastructure, spectrum portfolios, customer relationships and operating experience will be difficult to replicate.
Nevertheless, SpaceX has substantial existing assets, satellite infrastructure and spectrum resources that could support its entry into the wireless market. Whether it can finance and execute a nationwide terrestrial network while meeting its other major capital commitments remains an open question. See next section for more about the financing risks SpaceX faces.
The ultimate competitive test will not be the number of cell sites deployed or the sophistication of the Massive MIMO radios. It will be whether Starlink Mobile can deliver reliable nationwide coverage, competitive capacity and service quality at an economically sustainable cost. That remains to be demonstrated.
Capital Requirements and Financing Risks:
Building a nationwide terrestrial 5G network across tens of thousands of macro cell sites will require many billions of dollars in capital expenditures, in addition to spectrum acquisition, fiber backhaul, network integration and ongoing operating costs. SpaceX already faces enormous competing capital demands from its xAI initiatives, particularly the construction of AI data centers and computing infrastructure.
Separately, the broader AI infrastructure buildout has increasingly involved substantial borrowing and complex financing arrangements among AI infrastructure providers, cloud and service companies, and equipment suppliers. Many of these arrangements involve circular or mutually dependent commitments that raise questions about the ultimate sources of funding, underlying demand and the sustainability of the associated debt.
This creates a more fundamental concern for SpaceX’s terrestrial 5G ambitions: where will the capital come from to finance another massive infrastructure buildout? Relying on additional debt would increase leverage and financial risk, while equity financing could dilute existing shareholders. Funding construction from Starlink’s operating cash flow would require that business to generate sufficient free cash flow after its own substantial capital requirements. Infrastructure partnerships and vendor financing might defer some upfront expenditures but would not eliminate the underlying economic costs.
Until SpaceX discloses a credible, adequately funded deployment plan, its ability to finance a greenfield nationwide cellular network alongside its enormous AI infrastructure commitments remains a major unanswered question. The Qualcomm agreement establishes a technology supplier relationship; it does not establish that SpaceX has secured the financing necessary to build the network.
Conclusions:
While the agreement is impressive, two overarching concerns remain:
1. Qualcomm’s limited track record in commercial RAN deployments, particularly for the QRU100/QDU100 combination.
2. SpaceX’s ability to finance the proposed network while meeting its other major capital commitments.
–>Until these two questions are answered, the agreement represents a significant technology and business commitment—not proof that the proposed nationwide network can be successfully built and operated.
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References:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1181412/000162828026066880/spcx-20260930.htm
https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/reaching-for-the-stars-with-t-satellite
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Verizon and Ericsson Advance AI-Native RAN Operations with Nationwide EIC Rollout
Executive Summary:
Verizon and Ericsson are expanding their longstanding collaboration to introduce AI-native automation into Radio Access Network (RAN) operations. The companies plan a nationwide deployment of Ericsson Intelligent Controller (EIC) [1.], a software platform for running RAN applications (rApps) co-developed by Ericsson and Verizon.
The initiative is intended to improve mobile network performance, automate network optimization and advance Verizon’s longer-term objective of achieving Level 4 (L4) network autonomy. The companies have demonstrated EIC and associated rApps in a live network environment, using AI-based cell shaping and traffic steering to optimize Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (Massive MIMO) antenna operation.
According to Ericsson and Verizon, field deployment of the Advanced Antenna System (AAS) Cell Shaper rApp produced throughput gains of up to 8.9% in downlink data radio bearer (DRB) throughput and up to 8% in uplink user equipment (UE) throughput.
The collaboration has three principal objectives:
- RAN autonomy: Building on open, programmable interfaces to automate network operations and optimization.
- AI-based optimization: Deploying rApps to improve radio performance, traffic distribution and operational efficiency.
- Operator-controlled innovation: Enabling Verizon to develop and deploy its own rApps alongside Ericsson applications rather than relying exclusively on vendor-developed network optimization software.
Note 1. “Ericsson Intelligent Controller (EIC) is a new product part of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP) which is Ericsson’s Open RAN aligned service management and orchestration (SMO) solution. EIAP provides multivendor RAN automation, management, and orchestration of Cloud and Open Radio access networks. Ericsson differentiator is the extended support to purpose-built radio access networks.” SOURCE: Ericsson
Image generated by ChatGPT which was also used for research and writing this article.
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AI-Native RAN Automation and Massive MIMO Optimization:
A central component of the collaboration is the application of AI to Massive MIMO antenna systems. Massive MIMO uses large antenna arrays at 5G base stations to transmit and receive multiple spatially separated data streams. Through beamforming, the radio system can concentrate transmitted energy toward individual users or groups of users rather than radiating power uniformly in all directions. Combined with spatial multiplexing, this can improve spectral efficiency, increase network capacity and extend coverage.
However, optimizing Massive MIMO performance across a large mobile network is complex. Radio propagation conditions, user locations, traffic demand, interference, antenna configuration and mobility patterns change continuously. A configuration that improves performance in one cell or at a particular time of day may not be optimal under different network conditions.
Ericsson’s Advanced Antenna System (AAS) Cell Shaper rApp applies AI-based optimization to antenna operation and cell coverage. Its purpose is to adjust radio coverage characteristics and traffic distribution to better match changing network conditions.
Cell shaping and traffic steering are particularly important in densely populated areas where neighboring cells may experience significantly different traffic loads. Intelligent adjustment of antenna coverage and traffic distribution can help balance demand, reduce congestion and improve utilization of available radio resources.
These reported throughput improvements demonstrate the potential to improve the utilization of existing radio infrastructure through software-based optimization. However, the companies have not disclosed the geographic scope, test duration, baseline conditions, radio configurations or measurement methodology underlying the maximum reported gains. Consequently, the results should not be interpreted as nationwide average improvements or as evidence that equivalent gains will be achieved throughout Verizon’s network.
Automating Fixed Wireless Access Mobility:
Another application demonstrated by Verizon addresses mobility problems affecting Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) devices transitioning between LTE and 5G Standalone (SA) networks.
Verizon implemented a Connected Mode Inter-Radio Access Technology (Inter-RAT) handover methodology to address failed transitions from LTE to 5G SA for FWA devices. According to the companies, the automated methodology eliminates the need for manual intervention when these handover failures occur.
In this scenario, Inter-RAT mobility involves transitioning a device between different radio access technologies: 4G LTE and 5G NR.
Conventional 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) deployments use an LTE anchor, with 5G NR added as a secondary radio access technology (5G NSA is essentially 4G LTE with a 5GNR RAN interface). It relies on the LTE/Evolved Packet Core (EPC) architecture. By contrast, 5G SA uses a 5G NR radio access network connected directly to a 5G Core (5GC), without requiring an LTE anchor. Only 5G SA can realize the 5G features and functions defined by 3GPP’s 5G Architecture specs.
–>A successful 5G NSA to 5G SA transition therefore requires appropriate mobility procedures, network configuration and coordination between the LTE and 5G SA environments.
This application illustrates how programmable RAN automation can address specific operational problems through targeted software applications rather than relying exclusively on conventional network-management procedures and manual troubleshooting. It also demonstrates that RAN automation can address mobility management, network reliability and operational efficiency beyond radio-throughput optimization
Expanding the rApp Ecosystem and Network Autonomy:
Verizon plans to deploy EIC nationally during 2026 and introduce additional rApps developed both internally and by Ericsson. Planned applications include:
- Cell Anomaly Detector: Identifies abnormal cell behavior that may affect network performance.
- Root Cause Explainer: Helps identify potential causes of network problems, supporting more efficient troubleshooting and service restoration.
- Anomaly General Optimizer: Supports network optimization in response to detected anomalies.
The names of these applications suggest different stages of the network assurance and optimization lifecycle. Anomaly detection identifies departures from expected network behavior; root-cause analysis helps determine potential underlying problems; and optimization applications can initiate corrective actions.
When integrated into a coordinated automation framework, these functions can form a closed-loop operational process:
- Monitor: Collect network performance measurements, alarms, configuration data and other operational information.
- Detect: Identify abnormal conditions or performance degradation using analytics and AI/ML models.
- Diagnose: Analyze network data to identify potential root causes.
- Optimize: Determine appropriate corrective actions based on network policies and operating constraints.
- Actuate: Apply approved changes to network configuration or operating parameters.
- Verify: Monitor subsequent network performance to determine whether the corrective action achieved the intended result.
This feedback process is fundamental to autonomous network operations. It allows network optimization to continue without requiring human intervention for every individual adjustment, while retaining appropriate operator oversight and control.
The companies have not provided detailed technical specifications for the three planned applications, so their precise functions, interfaces and degrees of automation remain to be established.
Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform and Open Interfaces:
The Ericsson Intelligent Controller is a component of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), Ericsson’s open network management and automation environment designed for multivendor, multi-technology networks.
Key platform capabilities include:
- Support for 4G and 5G Radio Access Networks and Ericsson core networks.
- A Non-RT RIC execution environment for rApps.
- Standardized interfaces, including the O-RAN R1 interface.
- Application lifecycle management and deployment.
- Network data collection, analytics and AI/ML workflow capabilities.
- Policy management and coordination of network optimization activities.
- Controlled application execution and network actuation.
Ericsson reports that EIAP’s ecosystem includes more than 100 available rApps from over 100 ecosystem members, supporting different stages of the network automation lifecycle.
The ability for Verizon to develop its own rApps is particularly important. It gives the operator an opportunity to create network-specific optimization functions based on its traffic patterns, spectrum holdings, radio configurations and operational requirements, while also drawing on Ericsson’s broader rApp ecosystem.
An open application environment can reduce dependence on proprietary, vendor-specific optimization functions and encourage third-party application development.
However, the availability of open interfaces and a broad rApp ecosystem should not be confused with a fully interoperable multivendor RAN deployment. Ericsson describes EIAP as supporting multivendor networks, including purpose-built radio access networks. This means that deploying EIC and using O-RAN-aligned interfaces does not, by itself, establish that Verizon is replacing its existing RAN equipment with Open RAN equipment.
The distinction is important: Open RAN automation interfaces and an open application ecosystem can be deployed alongside conventional, purpose-built radio infrastructure.
The Road to Level 4 Network Autonomy:
The nationwide EIC deployment represents another step toward more autonomous RAN operations. Verizon’s longer-term objective is Level 4 (L4) network autonomy, in which network functions can perform increasingly complex operational and optimization tasks with minimal human intervention.
The TM Forum’s Autonomous Networks framework defines L4 as a highly autonomous network capability involving predictive decision-making and active closed-loop management of service-driven and customer-experience-driven networks, supported by AI modeling and continuous learning.
Achieving L4 autonomy requires considerably more than deploying AI applications. It requires:
- Reliable, continuous monitoring of network conditions and performance.
- Accurate AI/ML models that can operate under changing radio and traffic conditions.
- Closed-loop optimization with measurable performance verification.
- Coordination among multiple applications and network domains.
- Policy enforcement, security controls and safeguards against unintended network changes.
- Appropriate human oversight and the ability to intervene when automated actions produce unexpected results.
The distinction between automating individual network functions and achieving end-to-end autonomous network operations is important. An operator may successfully deploy several autonomous rApps without having achieved L4 autonomy across its entire RAN.
Furthermore, the TM Forum autonomy levels are assessed against specific network scenarios and operational domains. Achieving L4 in one function or network domain does not necessarily mean that the entire nationwide network has reached that level.
Verizon’s collaboration with Ericsson provides a programmable software platform and an expanding application ecosystem to support that transition. Whether it ultimately delivers L4 autonomy will depend on the scope of automation, the reliability of closed-loop operations and the integration of these capabilities across Verizon’s network.
Conclusions:
The Verizon-Ericsson initiative illustrates how AI-based software applications, open interfaces and closed-loop control can improve the operation of existing 4G and 5G radio access networks. The reported Massive MIMO throughput improvements and automated LTE-to-5G SA FWA handover demonstrate practical applications beyond AI experimentation. The EIC deployment also provides Verizon with a platform for developing proprietary rApps while leveraging Ericsson’s broader application ecosystem.
The larger challenge will be scaling these capabilities across a nationwide network while maintaining interoperability, reliability, security and measurable improvements in customer experience and network economics. Ultimately, the success of AI-native RAN automation should be judged by sustained improvements in network performance, spectral efficiency, energy consumption and operating costs—not simply by the number of AI applications deployed.
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References:
Verizon and Ericsson Partner to Transform AI-Native Autonomous Networks — November 3, 2026
https://www.ericsson.com/en/portfolio/cross-portfolio/rapp-directory
Autonomous Networks Mission and Levels Taxonomy — TM Forum
About Ericsson Intelligent Controller
About Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform
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