Ericsson and SoftBank have announced a major multi-year agreement to modernize SoftBank's 5G Standalone (SA) network across Japan.
At its core, this deal is about making SoftBank's network smarter and more efficient. Ericsson will provide its Cloud-Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS), which is essentially a flexible, software-based foundation for the network. On top of this, AI-powered automation tools will be deployed to manage network operations, marking a key step towards SoftBank's vision of an 'AI-Native Network'. The primary goals are to reduce operating expenses (OPEX) and increase agility, allowing for the rapid launch of advanced services like network slicing and ultra-low latency applications for robotics or connected cars.
This agreement didn't happen overnight; it's the result of a steady stream of successful technology validations. First, recent breakthroughs demonstrated the technology was commercially ready. For instance, SoftBank successfully tested its AITRAS orchestrator with Ericsson's automation platform (EIAP), proving they could work together seamlessly. They also began verifying autonomous network tasks using AI agents, confirming the practical benefits of automation.
Second, the competitive environment played a role. SoftBank also works with Nokia for its radio access network (RAN), creating a multi-vendor setup. This dynamic likely encouraged Ericsson to focus on providing unique value in the core network and AI-driven operations, where it could showcase a distinct advantage. Third, this deal is built on a long-term strategic partnership. Both companies are founding members of the AI-RAN Alliance and have been collaborating on joint research for years, sharing a common vision for the future of telecommunications.
This partnership is further strengthened by Ericsson's global experience. They have already deployed their CNIS with other major carriers, such as Wind Tre in Italy, providing SoftBank with a proven, low-risk solution. Ultimately, this contract represents a pivotal moment where the concept of an AI-driven, autonomous network moves from research and development into large-scale commercial reality.
- 5G Standalone (SA): The "true" version of 5G, which uses a 5G core network instead of relying on older 4G infrastructure. It enables advanced features like ultra-low latency.
- Cloud-Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS): A modern, software-based approach to building and managing network infrastructure, making it more flexible, scalable, and automated than traditional hardware-based systems.
- AI-RAN Alliance: An industry group focused on integrating artificial intelligence into the Radio Access Network (RAN) to make cellular networks more efficient and capable.