Ericsson and Telstra Pioneer Asia-Pacific's First Programmable Network

In a significant development for the Asia-Pacific telecommunications landscape, Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson and Australian communications service provider (CSP) Telstra have joined forces to create the region's first programmable network, powered by 5G Advanced capabilities. This innovative collaboration, announced in February 2025, is set to revolutionize connectivity and drive digital transformation across various industries.



The new network, which leverages Ericsson's Open RAN-ready hardware solutions and 5G Advanced software, will enable Telstra to offer a high-performing, programmable network with 5G Advanced capabilities to its customers. This will empower tech innovators from wider ecosystems to access the network via network APIs, fostering collaboration and driving innovation. The programmable network will also provide a platform for innovative application development and the ability to tailor superior connectivity to the unique requirements of customers, including new performance-based offerings and Industry 4.0 use cases.

The partnership between Ericsson and Telstra aligns with both companies' long-term strategic goals. For Telstra, the programmable network represents a fundamental shift in how it manages and operates its international network, paving the way for a more resilient, efficient, and customer-centric network. By focusing on intent-driven outcomes, Telstra aims to deliver a more sophisticated connectivity experience for its customers, driving growth and enhancing its competitive position in the Asia-Pacific region.

For Ericsson, the collaboration with Telstra demonstrates its commitment to driving industry monetization opportunities through network APIs and enabling next-generation use cases. The programmable network, which opens the network to tech innovators from wider ecosystems via network APIs, aligns with Ericsson's goal of driving telecom industry monetization opportunities and strengthening partnerships with leading operators like Telstra.



The introduction of this programmable network is set to significantly impact the competitive landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, presenting both Ericsson and Telstra with numerous market opportunities. As a founding member of Aduna, Telstra will be at the forefront of driving telecom industry monetization opportunities through network APIs. The new 5G Advanced network capabilities will be central to the delivery of such API-based services. Additionally, the high-performing capabilities of the 5G Standalone (5G SA) solutions involved are key to enabling the next-generation use cases and developer innovation that will make Industry 4.0 a reality in Australia, presenting a significant market opportunity for both Ericsson and Telstra to provide connectivity solutions for industries undergoing digital transformation.

In conclusion, the partnership between Ericsson and Telstra in developing the first programmable network in Asia-Pacific aligns with both companies' long-term strategic goals, driving innovation, enhancing customer experiences, and expanding into new markets. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of the network, they can drive innovation, improve sustainability, and create new revenue streams, solidifying their competitive position in the Asia-Pacific region.