Ericsson and AT&T are collaborating in a $14 billion five-year network transformation and digitalisation strategic agreement to pioneer the path to programmable and intelligent networks of the future.
Ericsson announced its plans to deploy a comprehensive array of its 5G Open Radio Access Networks products and solutions, aiding AT&T in realising its widespread Open RAN objectives across the United States.
The firm is set to construct a 5G network platform for AT&T, employing Cloud-native technologies grounded in O-RAN standardised interfaces. This initiative focuses on achieving industry-scale, cost efficiency, sustainability, and high performance. Over time, this collaboration between AT&T and Ericsson will evolve into a Cloud-native open network.
Leveraging its expanded 5G Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas, Ericsson will produce infrastructure components necessary for the agreement. This facility adheres to the Build America, Buy America infrastructure laws Act, with its products proudly bearing the ‘Made in US’” label.
Aligned with its commitment to research and development-led strategies, Ericsson has cultivated a diverse array of sustainable technologies. These innovations are designed to ensure future networks are more resilient, open, sustainable, and intelligent.
The advanced and programmable features of Ericsson’s technology will facilitate the creation of rApps, automation, and network APIs, unlocking the full potential of 5G. This includes generating new revenue opportunities.
Ericsson’s open architecture is poised to serve as a catalyst for developer innovation, driving novel use cases and business models.
Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, remarked: “High-performance and differentiated networks will be the cornerstone for the next phase in digitalisation. I am thrilled about this future and delighted to see our long-standing client, AT&T, selecting Ericsson for this pivotal industry transition – moving towards open, Cloud-based, and programmable networks. With open interfaces and APIs, the industry will witness new performance-based business models, enabling operators to refine and monetise the network. We are honoured to partner with AT&T in industrialising Open RAN and accelerating digital transformation in the US”
Chris Sambar, Executive Vice President at AT&T Network, stated: “AT&T is pioneering open platform sourcing in our wireless network. Through this partnership, we aim to open radio access networks, foster innovation, stimulate competition, and expand 5G and fibre connectivity in America. We appreciate Ericsson’s support for Open RAN and the opportunities it presents for American digital infrastructure.”
Technology details
The strategic partnership centres on developing an open programmable network.
This will expedite AT&T’s deployment of Open RAN equipment and open network management solutions from various vendors, utilising specialised hardware and virtualised commercial off-the-shelf hardware.
Ericsson’s solutions include:
Advanced Ericsson Massive MIMO and remote radios, prepared for upcoming open fronthaul technologies, leading to a lower total cost of ownership due to reduced weight, size, and power consumption.
The newly launched next-generation Ericsson RAN Compute.
Ericsson Cloud RAN solutions, facilitating the transition to Open RAN architecture with open interfaces and disaggregation, fostering new partnerships in Radio Access Networks. This allows for modular RAN SW construction, creating a comprehensive connectivity platform.
Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), offering extensive multi-vendor, multi-technology service management and automation for AT&T’s network. Both AT&T and Ericsson will promote the open EIAP rApp Ecosystem, including its marketplace and Software Development Toolkit, to spur rApp development and innovation globally. Ericsson will use its leadership in Open RAN standardisation to support O-RAN Alliance SMO interfaces within the AT&T network, including O1, O2, and A1 interfaces and the R1 interface between the non-Real-Time RIC and the rApps.
Ericsson’s solutions are in line with its commitment to halve supply chain emissions and power consumption by 2030.
More about Ericsson’s 5G smart factory
Inaugurated in 2020, Ericsson’s USA 5G Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas, is a model of automation and efficiency, entirely powered by renewable energy.
Following a recent expansion, the factory now spans over 107,000 sq ft, manufacturing 5G and Advanced Antenna System radios for Ericsson’s American clients.
Ericsson has achieved a milestone as the first mobile infrastructure provider to comply with the infrastructure law’s Build America, Buy America provisions.