Frequently Asked Questions
The Open Base Station Architecture Initiative was officially established in September 2002. It was set up to get base station companies to work together to define and agree upon open standards for base station internal architecture and key interfaces.
1.How do you join OBSAI?
All base station, module and component manufacturers are welcome to join OBSAI from this website. Once you have signed either a promoter or supporter agreement you then become a member of OBSAI. Contact us by following this link, and we will provide you with further details.
2.Why focus on Base Stations?
Base stations represent a large portion of network investments, that's why it's an important area in which to develop more efficient ways of working. We want to keep the Initiative clearly focused in order to be able to provide results quickly. There are already other fora focusing on other parts of the network.
3.Are OBSAI compliant BTS' automatically interoperable?
The OBSAI addresses only BTS internal architecture and interfaces. The Open Base Station Architecture will support standards defined by standardization bodies, which address network-level issues.
4.Will this change the position of existing base station manufacturers?
Base station manufacturers will continue to have a key role in the value chain, building base stations using modules available in an open market.
The module/component manufacturers will be able to develop their products with standard interfaces, which can then be sold to all base station manufacturers.
5.How does this impact current network investments?
This does not have any impact on current network investments. The OBSAI compliant base stations can be installed in current networks, i.e. they are fully backward compatible.
6.What will be the scope of the specifications?
The specifications define a modular architecture for base stations as well as interfaces between the modules. These specifications will be applicable regardless of the network technology used (i.e. GSM, WCDMA, CDMA, etc.).
7.How do I get access to the specifications?
The specifications will be available to all OBSAI members.
8.Will this be available for current networks?
The OBSAI compliant base stations can be installed in current networks, i.e. they are fully backward compatible
9.When will products be available?
This is subject to each company's product development schedule.
First products are expected from 2004.
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