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The Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) has announced the availability of the first OBSAI interface specifications. By issuing specifications for internal interfaces between base station modules, OBSAI is enabling the design and manufacture of non-proprietary modules and components for key base station functions. OBSAI is the first industry forum to address the area of open base station specifications. Non-proprietary modules will substantially reduce the development effort and costs traditionally associated with creating new base station product ranges, while also allowing access to the widest choice of best-in-breed products and technologies. Further interface specifications will be available by October this year. The key challenges facing mobile telecommunications service providers are the high complexity and cost of infrastructure investment required to provide sufficient capacity for advanced mobile services and subsequently to bring these services to market, stated Jukka Klemettila, Chairperson of OBSAI. "The release of OBSAI's first specifications marks an important milestone for the industry. Nothing like this has been achieved so far and we believe that this will help the industry face these challenges." The recently finalized specifications apply to interfaces between a base station's control, transport, and base band functions. Currently, a number of OBSAI members are working on implementing products based on these interface specifications. As a result, mobile operators will benefit from increased functionality and the ability to get advanced services to market more quickly. According to OBSAI, by 2005 industry-wide adoption of the interface specifications will accelerate the transition towards an open base station module market. The Dell'Oro Group projects US$20.2 billion in total base stations market potential in 2005, increasing to US$21.5 billion in 2006. A Systems Reference Architecture document addressing the interfaces is also available now. These specifications are available for all members of OBSAI to utilise.
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