Ericsson and SoftBank: Pioneering AI and 6G in Japan

In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, two titans have joined forces to redefine the future of connectivity. Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (ERIC) and SoftBank Corp. have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at advancing AI, Cloud RAN, Extended Reality (XR), and 6G technologies. This collaboration, which spans until 2030, is poised to revolutionize the way we communicate and interact with the digital world.

The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focuses on evaluating, promoting, and co-creating "NextWave Tech." This encompasses the next evolution of AI-powered connectivity solutions, exploring groundbreaking applications and enhancing network architectures to support emerging technologies. The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to shaping the future of telecommunications through significant research and development efforts.

One of the key areas of focus is the evaluation of commercial readiness for Cloud RAN deployment with Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) and rApps, including the integration of AI technology. This advancement aims to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of network operations. As Jawad Manssour, President and Representative Director, Ericsson Japan, states, "This new collaboration with SoftBank marks a significant step forward in realizing the full potential of AI-powered connectivity technologies. By combining our expertise in RAN and AI, we are poised to drive innovation and shape SoftBank’s future of mobile networks, empowering their technology leadership through 2030." This integration of AI with Cloud RAN is expected to optimize network performance and reduce operational costs, making it a more attractive option for service providers.

Another area of collaboration is the exploration of new ways of using radio waves by integrating sensing and communication. This involves promoting the effective use of centimeter Wave technologies to position Japan as a leader in 6G. As Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO at SoftBank Corp., notes, "Our new partnership with Ericsson allows us to explore cutting-edge solutions that will redefine network capabilities and customer experience. Our joint efforts in areas such as 6G and AI will not only enhance the performance of our network, but also pave the way for new business opportunities and technological breakthroughs." This advancement is expected to improve spectrum utilization and enable new applications that require high-speed and reliable connectivity.

The partnership also aims to establish efficient and effective network design strategies for emerging use cases such as Extended Reality (XR). This involves creating innovative design frameworks to optimize performance for applications like XR, which require high bandwidth and low latency. By leveraging AI and cloud-based networks, Ericsson and SoftBank aim to drive significant advances in connectivity that will play a critical role in the digital transformation of society. This development is expected to open new opportunities in the entertainment, education, and healthcare sectors, where XR technologies are increasingly being adopted.



In summary, the partnership between Ericsson and SoftBank is expected to drive significant advancements in AI and 6G technologies, with a focus on Cloud RAN deployment, network design strategies for XR, advanced radio technologies, and 6G leadership. These developments are anticipated to have a profound impact on the broader market for AI and 6G technologies, opening new opportunities for innovation and growth. This collaboration is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving technological progress and shaping the future of connectivity.