Nokia and Ericsson strengthen cooperation to accelerate towards Autonomous Networks

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Nokia and Ericsson strengthen cooperation to accelerate towards Autonomous Networks 

    • Nokia and Ericsson to advance adoption of open standards, and promote compatibility across their rApp portfolios
    • The collaboration supports multivendor SMO ecosystems, giving CSP greater choice and accelerating the transition towards Autonomous Networks.
    • Ericsson will join Nokia’s SMO Marketplace, and Nokia will become a member of Ericsson’s rApp Ecosystem 1 March 2026

    Espoo, Finland & Stockholm, Sweden – Nokia and Ericsson today announce a landmark collaboration aimed at significantly advancing intelligent automation across purpose-built, cloud RAN, and Open RAN networks.

    Under the collaboration, Ericsson will become a member of Nokia’s SMO Marketplace, which is designed to empower Communication Service Providers (CSPs) and partners to build, integrate, and deploy automation applications within an open, multivendor ecosystem. Nokia will also be a member of the Ericsson rApp Ecosystem, the open, well-established ecosystem of CSPs, vendors and independent developers built around the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform, Ericsson’s network management and automation platform for open, multivendor and multi-technology networks.

    The mutual ecosystem membership reflects Nokia and Ericsson’s shared focus on championing Autonomous Networks, with a particular focus on innovation centred around the R1 interface through which rApps interact with the SMO. Shared efforts such as this are essential for bringing AI and automation into mobile networks to transform deployment, optimization and operations workflows as CSPs globally seek to achieve and surpass Level 4 autonomy.

    This collaboration between Nokia and Ericsson will enhance cross-industry development and will lead to more seamless adoption and integration of automation tools across diverse multivendor environments. Through the collaboration, both companies will make rApps available to CSPs on both platforms.

    “The telecoms industry is converging on SMO as the long-term automation architecture, with major RAN and SMO contributors, and CSPs, working together to drive this transition through standards-based collaboration. Participation in each other’s rApp ecosystem reflects shared confidence from Ericsson and Nokia in the SMO architecture and a common commitment to advancing industry-wide interoperability through standardized R1 interfaces. The collaboration will expand access to, availability of, and interoperability between the growing number of rApps coming to market for CSPs,” commented Dimitris Mavrakis, Senior Research Director, ABI Research.

    “This collaboration is a key step forward for the telecoms industry,” says Anders Vestergren, Head of Solution Area Network Management at Ericsson, “giving CSPs greater choice and flexibility as they execute their Autonomous Network transformation strategies. The agreement between Nokia and Ericsson shows genuine progress in the ongoing and already-productive effort to encourage innovation using the R1 interface, and cultivate diverse, engaged and dynamic rApp ecosystems working together to embed this essential area of telecoms technology in networks worldwide.”

    “This partnership with Ericsson marks a pivotal advancement in how the industry delivers the next generation of autonomous networks,” said Ari Kynaslahti, CTO at Nokia. “By aligning on open frameworks and intelligent operational models, we are giving service providers a more adaptive and future-proof foundation for automation. This collaboration also accelerates the evolution of robust rApp environments that will enable operators to introduce new capabilities faster, optimize their networks with greater precision, and scale innovation across diverse deployment scenarios worldwide.”

    source : www.myvillager.com

    https://www.myvillager.com/online_features/press_releases/nokia-and-ericsson-strengthen-cooperation-to-accelerate-towards-autonomous-networks/article_49f019d6-4541-5d90-b5b0-37ac2c05a9ac.html

    Ericsson, Global Operators Finalise 50:50 API Joint Venture

    Ericsson

    By Kavit Majithia

    Ericsson has officially completed the formation of a 50:50 joint venture with 12 major global telecom operators to advance the use and development of network APIs through its API-focused subsidiary, Aduna.

    The participating operators—AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, KDDI, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefónica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone—have taken a combined 50% equity stake in Aduna. Ericsson retains the remaining 50%, marking a significant milestone in the company’s vision for open, programmable networks.

    Aduna, operational since September 2024, aims to foster an ecosystem that includes developers, hyperscalers, and other industry players. It is working to establish standardized APIs through alignment with the CAMARA open source project and the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative.

    Beyond investment, the operator partners are contributing commercial support, deep industry relationships, and expertise in telecom and developer engagement.

    Since its launch, Aduna’s ecosystem has grown to include additional operators such as SoftBank Corp and NTT Docomo, as well as tech giants like Microsoft and Syniverse.

    Anthony Bartolo, CEO of Aduna, celebrated the transaction’s closing as a crucial milestone:

    “In just ten months we have built an impressive ecosystem comprising the biggest names in telecoms and the wider ICT industry. The closing provides renewed motivation for Aduna to accelerate the adoption of network APIs by developers on a global scale.”

    Source: Mobile World Live

    Ericsson Secures Multi-Year Deal to Manage Bharti Airtel’s Pan-India Network Operations

    Ericsson

    Bharti Airtel entered a multi‑year Network Operations Center (NOC) managed services agreement with Ericsson.

    This partnership is part of Airtel’s broader strategy to improve network reliability, performance, and operational efficiency. For Ericsson, it represents a significant managed-services contract enhancing its footprint in India’s rapidly expanding telecom market.

    Why this matters:

    • For Airtel, outsourcing network operations allows it to concentrate on customer services and next-generation innovations (like network slicing and private network rollout) while leveraging Ericsson’s global expertise.
    • For Ericsson, this deepens its role in India’s telecom ecosystem, extending its influence beyond equipment supply into comprehensive network management—an opportunity for recurring revenue and strengthened strategic positioning.

    Context & history:

    • Airtel and Ericsson have been long-standing partners—Airtel previously signed a multi-billion dollar deal for 4G/5G equipment deployment in December 2024.
    • These agreements reinforce Ericsson’s leadership in India’s telecom infrastructure, competing alongside Nokia and Samsung, especially as demand for sophisticated services continues to grow in 2025 and beyond.

    Overall, the new managed-services contract highlights Airtel’s ambition to upgrade and future-proof its network while allowing Ericsson to expand its role from hardware vendor to full-stack network operations partner.

    Source: The Economic Times

    NCA Engages Ericsson on Innovation, 5G, and Managed Services Licensing

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    On May 15, 2025, the National Communications Authority (NCA) welcomed a six-member delegation from Ericsson to the NCA Tower in Accra to explore new areas of collaboration in telecommunications innovation.

    Welcoming the team, Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Acting Director General of the NCA, reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to stakeholder engagement. He announced plans for a public consultation on the Managed Services Licence, noting that Ericsson’s input would be vital to ensuring inclusivity and regulatory stability in this evolving space.

    Majda Lahlou Kassi, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit for West and Southern Africa at Ericsson, commended Ghana’s regulatory leadership and expressed the company’s ongoing support for digital empowerment initiatives, including the “One Million Coders” program launched by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.

    She also emphasized the transformative potential of 5G, stating:

    “5G is not just about faster internet — it’s a platform for entirely new use cases that have not yet entered the market. We are eager to support Ghana’s journey in deploying 5G in a way that balances innovation, stability, and local interest.”

    The visiting Ericsson team included Fabrizio Cara, Head of Cloud Services; Richard Kweku Arthur, Country Manager; Badr Ndor, Head of Networks; and Rostand Njomgang, Director at Ericsson.

    Source: National Communications Authority (NCA)

    Ericsson Announces €200 Million Investment in Irish R&D Hub

    Ericsson

    Ericsson has announced a €200 million investment over the next three years at its Athlone facility in Ireland, reinforcing its global leadership in intelligent network management and automation. The initiative, supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, will boost Ericsson’s capabilities in developing high-performing, open, and programmable 5G networks.

    A key focus of the investment is the enhancement of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), an open, multi-vendor system for managing 4G and 5G Radio Access Networks. Largely designed in Athlone, EIAP enables the integration of third-party rApps and leverages AI, machine learning, and analytics to drive autonomous, efficient network operations.

    This move strengthens Athlone’s role as a global center of excellence and aligns with IDA Ireland’s national strategy for innovation and growth.

    Denis Dullea, Head of Ericsson Athlone, said, “This investment is a testament to our commitment to Ireland and the exceptional talent here.” Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, added that the initiative supports the country’s long-term innovation goals.

    Source: Culled from TelecomLead.com News Desk

    Ericsson to bolster India manufacturing

    Ericsson

    Ericsson has announced plans to localize production of all its passive antennas for the Indian market by June 2025. The initiative, in partnership with VVDN Technologies, aims to strengthen Ericsson’s ability to serve local telecom operators, support ongoing 5G rollouts, and diversify its global manufacturing footprint.

    By shifting production to India, Ericsson will be able to respond more quickly to changing market demands while enhancing the resilience of its supply chain. Mikael Eriksson, Head of Ericsson Antenna System, noted that expanding manufacturing in India allows the company to deliver cutting-edge technology faster and closer to where next-generation networks are being built.

    Nitin Bansal, MD of Ericsson India, highlighted that localized manufacturing will ensure quicker deployments, improved responsiveness, and better protection for customers against external disruptions.

    In addition to serving the domestic market, a significant portion of the antennas produced in India will be exported, further positioning the country as a key strategic hub within Ericsson’s global supply chain. The company currently operates other manufacturing facilities in Mexico, Romania, China, and the US, and has been active in India since 1994.

    Source: Mobile World Live

    Ericsson, Tunisie Telecom deliver 5G in Tunisia

    Ericsson

    Ericsson is supporting Tunisie Telecom with the effective rollout of 5G mobile technology in Tunisia.

    According to Ericsson, the mobile operator has successfully begun providing its 5G-NSA (non-stand-alone) services for residential customers, which include 5G eMBB and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).

    Technically, Ericsson stated that the 5G rollout was based on Time Division Duplexing (TDD) sites using the 3.5 GHz frequency band and FDD following a repurposing of the existing 4G spectrum, mostly in the 2100 and 1800 MHz frequencies.

    High throughput was achieved with 5G TDD sites, which reached 2.1 Gbit/s downlink, the company said.

    According to the company, this is the first time this frequency band has been used in Tunisia, and it provides a wider spectrum for faster speeds.

    It further stated that Tunisie Telecom’s 5G is being deployed in an FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) architecture, which is consistent with the existing mobile network and ensures greater geographical coverage.

    “In a spirit of long-term partnership, Ericsson worked with Tunisie Telecom to ensure the successful commercial launch of 5G within the deadlines set by the Ministry of ICT.

    “And despite the very tight schedule and the relatively complex network architecture, we have managed to combine our efforts and complete this launch on time and with excellence.

    “Ericsson will continue to work closely with Tunisie Telecom to ensure the success of the Digital Strategy 2025, which aims to put digital technology at the heart of Tunisia’s economic and social development,” says Tahar Labidi, senior account manager at Ericsson.

    For Oussama Samet, central director of Networks at Tunisie Telecom: “With Ericsson, Tunisie Telecom has succeeded in being the first operator to launch 5G in Tunisia and North Africa, within the timeframe set by the Tunisian Ministry of ICT.

    “Thanks to our partner, we were able to meet the challenge of a very tight schedule, in a relatively complex environment and ecosystem. The commercial launch was a success for Tunisie Telecom, and we’re counting on Ericsson for the next stages of 5G deployment, use case development and monetisation”.

    Source: Extensia

    Ericsson scores Vodafone Spain 5G core deal

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    Vodafone Spain lined up Ericsson to provide the bulk of a standalone (SA) 5G core network, advancing a goal to cover 90 per cent of the nation’s population with the technology by the close of the year.

    Ericsson was selected as the operator’s main technology partner in the project for residential customers. The equipment maker intends to provide dual-mode 5G core technology which it stated will tap into current infrastructure to contribute to the operator’s coverage ambition.

    The deal spans four years: Ericsson pledged its work would help improve “network operational processes and customer experience”.

    Ericsson explained the SA 5G core houses “the network intelligence” enabling functions including slicing, improved latency and advanced edge computing.

    Latency of less than 10 milliseconds is possible “within ideal conditions”, Ericsson stated.

    The vendor explained Vodafone Spain would be able to deliver services based on the standardized APIs prevalent in SA 5G networks, along with offering network-as-a-platform functions.

    By Michael Carroll

    Source: https:www.mobileworldlive.com

    Ericsson UK chief cites continued 5G challenges

    MWL_Katherine_Ainley_Ericsson_647

    MWL_Katherine_Ainley_Ericsson_647

    At the midway point of the 5G decade, there is still work to do in the UK to ensure the technology is being used to its potential, with a risk it will end up being monetised in the same way as previous generations, Ericsson UK and Ireland CEO Katherine Ainley (pictured) cautioned.

    Speaking to Mobile World Live during MWC25 Barcelona, Ainley said although rollouts for non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) variants of 5G in the UK were broadly going well, there is still a gap in terms of experience for some users.

    “There’s lots more to do,” the executive said, adding “it feels quite different in different places. If you’re in an urban area, it’s great. If you’re in a rural area, probably not quite so great”.

    Among the challenges cited were further use of mid-band spectrum and expansion of SA 5G, alongside pushing for more devices to be available in the market to support the newer variant. She said there is “still a risk that it’s monetised in a similar way to 4G and 3G, but just with a different badge on it”.

    Although noting slicing deployments and “some exceptions”, she added there is an ambition from its operator customers to “get to a world” where people will pay for a premium experience. Examples include consumers paying for better coverage at a concert, or “paying a little bit more because whenever you’re on a Teams call it knows and it kicks in”.

    Business momentum

    In the enterprise sector, she noted momentum in ports and manufacturing for private networks among other segments, indicating a need to ensure discussions are around actual use cases rather than just the technology.

    “Part of the problem is if you talk about a private network, you have to have quite a deep level of understanding to know what that is and why you want it,” noting it is a different conversation if “you say to someone do you want to remove all the wires from your factory, make it super-efficient and know what all your tools and production lines are doing”?

    In terms of target sectors in the UK for private 5G deployments, Ainley cited logistics and travel, manufacturing and, “further down the line” public sector with the potential for “big efficiency improvements” in hospitals and the defence sector as examples.

    www.mobileworldlive.com

    By Chris Donkin

    Huawei and Telecom Egypt Sign Agreement to Enhance ICT Infrastructure

    Huawei

    Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, has announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with Telecom Egypt – WE. The agreement aims to equip Telecom Egypt’s network with advanced technological solutions in preparation for the launch of 5G services in Egypt, ensuring high-quality broadband for users. With this collaboration, Telecom Egypt becomes the first operator in Egypt and Northern Africa to deploy innovative outdoor and indoor solutions, including BladeAAU technology with high-bandwidth Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology & DIS 5G Solution with the new (pRRU) Pico Radio for indoor solution supporting multiband.

    Huawei is integrating BladeAAU technology into Telecom Egypt’s network, which will optimize space utilization for antenna installations on Tower and lay the foundation for future 5G advancements. Additionally, Telecom Egypt is implementing the first 5G Digital Indoor System (DIS) in the region, utilizing three frequency bands and V-MIMO (Virtual Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology. Initial 5G tests have demonstrated exceptional user experiences, with throughput speeds exceeding 300 Mbps.

    As Telecom Egypt extends its 5G network coverage, it prioritized optimal Outdoor & indoor coverage, particularly for high-value users. BaldeAAU MM 64T was equipped to meet the requirements of future capacity in Egypt and provide a multiple times higher capacity of 5G traffic, meanwhile Digital Indoor Systems (DIS) have become the preferred choice over traditional Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) due to their superior capacity and enhanced user experience.

    The signing of the cooperation protocol comes within the framework of Huawei’s strategy, which accentuates the great importance of developing the ICT infrastructure in Egypt and supports digital transformation plans by providing the latest innovative technologies.

    Additionally, the cooperation is in line with Telecom Egypt’s vision that aims to become a leading ICT operator by investing in establishing high-quality 4G/5G collaborative networks. In compliance with the current developments and launch of 5G networks. In addition, it will increase DOU (Dataflow of Usage) using data throughput and provide the users with communication services and better data transmission.

    Mohamed Nasr Eldin Telecom Egypt CEO expressed his delight of signing the cooperation protocol with the leading Huawei to equip WE and develop its capabilities laying the groundwork of 5G and the launch of its various services. He said:

    We are proud to cooperate with Huawei, which is a strategic partner for us in localizing the ICT industry and implementing the digital transformation strategy in Egypt. We are also pleased that Huawei with its expertise in this field will enable us maintain our leading position in providing the latest and best technological solutions to our customers and offering high-quality 5G services.

    – Mohamed Nasr Eldin, CEO, Telecom Egypt

    We are pleased to cooperate with Telecom Egypt, as this cooperation affirms the confidence and assurance in our ability in providing the best leading solutions worldwide to prepare Telecom Egypt’s network to lay groundwork for 5G, in addition to the growth of 4G.

    – Mr. Benjamin Hou, CEO, Huawei Egypt

    He pointed out that the innovated technology either MM 64T Blade Antenna or DIS 5G was equipped to meet the requirements of future capacity in Egypt and provide higher capacity of 5G traffic. He also assured that Huawei is keen on gearing all its efforts and innovations to provide the best services in the field of communications, in order to support economic development, being in line with the government’s vision towards developing ICT industry in Egypt.

    Telecom Egypt is keen to spread modern communication technologies, including high bandwidth of the TDD 2.6 GHz band with MIMO Technology, aiming to provide users with an ideal experience of using networks, as well as the technologies and the updates that Huawei creates to achieve unparalleled communication services.

    Source: Extensia