Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership focused on advancing AI, Cloud RAN, Extended Reality (XR), and 6G technologies towards 2030. This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation in next-generation mobile networks, ensuring enhanced connectivity and new business opportunities.
Driving 'NextWave Tech' innovation
Under the agreement, Ericsson and SoftBank will jointly evaluate, promote, and co-create "NextWave Tech," a concept encompassing the next evolution of AI-powered connectivity solutions. This initiative will explore groundbreaking applications and enhance network architectures to support emerging technologies. The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to shaping the future of telecommunications through significant research and development efforts.
Key areas of collaboration
Ericsson and SoftBank will work on multiple technological advancements, including:
- Cloud RAN Readiness: Assessing the commercial feasibility of Cloud RAN with Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) and rApps, incorporating AI for enhanced efficiency.
- Network Design Strategies: Establishing innovative design frameworks to optimize performance for applications such as XR.
- Advanced Radio Technologies: Exploring new methods of integrating sensing and communication for improved spectrum utilization.
- 6G Leadership: Promoting the use of centimeter Wave technologies to position Japan as a global leader in next-generation mobile networks.
Leadership perspectives
Jawad Manssour, President and Representative Director, Ericsson Japan says: "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."
Read the full press release here.