Bharti Airtel will be partnering with US chipmaker Intel for 5G network development by leveraging virtual and open radio access network (vRAN/O-RAN) technologies. The collaboration is part of Airtel’s 5G roadmap for the country and the company is transforming its network to allow customers to reap the benefits of next-gen technologies. Once 5G comes, there are endless possibilities like cloud gaming, virtual/augmented reality etc, becoming an everyday experience. Airtel is the first telco in India to demonstrate 5G over a live network and is conducting 5G trials in major cities. Earlier, Reliance Jio has also partnered with Intel for 5G network deployment. As members of the O-RAN alliance, Airtel and Intel will work for developing a range of Make in India 5G solutions and enabling telecom infrastructure in the country through local partners. O-RAN will be an area of tremendous innovation and creativity in the coming years.