Ericsson Partners with SoftBank to Modernize Japan's Core Network Infrastructure
On March 26, 2026, Ericsson and SoftBank Corp. announced a strategic agreement aimed at transforming and modernizing SoftBank's core network infrastructure. This multi-year framework agreement is set to deploy next-generation core network solutions that are expected to accelerate the adoption of 5G Standalone (SA) services in Japan.
The partnership will leverage Ericsson's advanced dual-mode 5G Core technology, which operates on its proprietary Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). This state-of-the-art deployment will encompass numerous capabilities, including subscriber data management via Ericsson's User Data Consolidation (UDC) solution, policy control services, and cloud-based IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solutions. These components are integral to ensuring a seamless transition from existing 4G networks to efficient 5G operations while improving the overall scalability and reliability of SoftBank’s telecommunications services.
Hideyuki Tsukuda, SoftBank’s Executive Vice President and CTO, emphasized that the collaboration with Ericsson focuses on integrating cutting-edge cloud-native technologies and automation solutions. This synergy is vital for achieving a successful 'fusion of AI and networks', a concept that aims to enhance the autonomy and efficiency of network operations. According to Tsukuda, this modernization initiative will empower SoftBank to continue delivering new value and innovation to its customers.
Jawad Mansour, President and Representative Director of Ericsson Japan, remarked on the significance of this agreement by highlighting SoftBank’s leadership in merging AI with telecommunications. He stated that this collaboration aims to improve network performance and operational efficiency, ultimately fostering a digital transformation that addresses societal challenges within Japan.
The agreement encompasses several critical areas of network modernization and enhancement:
1. Network Modernization: The existing subscriber mobility functions, including the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), will transition to a cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core on CNIS. This migration will facilitate flexible software control across both legacy and next-generation access methods. Furthermore, voice gateway and policy control capabilities will be updated to cloud-native formats, promising resilient voice domains.
2. Expansion and Data Management: A fully cloud-native subscriber data management capability will be implemented through Ericsson's UDC solution. This robust data framework will accommodate increasing service demands and capacity needs, featuring layers for data provisioning, storage, and subscription management.
3. IMS Modernization: The IMS solutions employed by SoftBank will be upgraded to Ericsson Cloud IMS. This change is expected to enhance the quality of voice and multimedia services, aiding in the faster rollout of innovative services.
These advancements will not only enable SoftBank to bring new offerings to market promptly, but they will also streamline operational processes through cloud automation, significantly reducing operational expenditures. Additionally, improvements in orchestration and energy efficiency will lead to lower overall network energy consumption.
As a trusted partner, Ericsson continues to support SoftBank in constructing a robust innovative platform utilizing AI and cloud technologies, aiming for new business value creation. The long-standing partnership between the two companies encompasses both core network solutions and radio access network hardware, setting the stage for further advancements in telecommunications.
As Japan steadily approaches a fully realized 5G landscape, this collaboration is set to have a profound impact on the nation’s telecommunications sector and broader digital economy. The evolution brought forth by this agreement marks a critical step towards a more connected and technologically advanced society, aligning with global trends in telecommunications.
Consequently, the anticipated modernization of SoftBank's core network by Ericsson underscores a pivotal shift in how telecom services are constructed and delivered, ultimately enhancing user experience in an increasingly digital world.
The partnership will leverage Ericsson's advanced dual-mode 5G Core technology, which operates on its proprietary Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). This state-of-the-art deployment will encompass numerous capabilities, including subscriber data management via Ericsson's User Data Consolidation (UDC) solution, policy control services, and cloud-based IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solutions. These components are integral to ensuring a seamless transition from existing 4G networks to efficient 5G operations while improving the overall scalability and reliability of SoftBank’s telecommunications services.
Hideyuki Tsukuda, SoftBank’s Executive Vice President and CTO, emphasized that the collaboration with Ericsson focuses on integrating cutting-edge cloud-native technologies and automation solutions. This synergy is vital for achieving a successful 'fusion of AI and networks', a concept that aims to enhance the autonomy and efficiency of network operations. According to Tsukuda, this modernization initiative will empower SoftBank to continue delivering new value and innovation to its customers.
Jawad Mansour, President and Representative Director of Ericsson Japan, remarked on the significance of this agreement by highlighting SoftBank’s leadership in merging AI with telecommunications. He stated that this collaboration aims to improve network performance and operational efficiency, ultimately fostering a digital transformation that addresses societal challenges within Japan.
Agreement Scope
The agreement encompasses several critical areas of network modernization and enhancement:
1. Network Modernization: The existing subscriber mobility functions, including the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), will transition to a cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core on CNIS. This migration will facilitate flexible software control across both legacy and next-generation access methods. Furthermore, voice gateway and policy control capabilities will be updated to cloud-native formats, promising resilient voice domains.
2. Expansion and Data Management: A fully cloud-native subscriber data management capability will be implemented through Ericsson's UDC solution. This robust data framework will accommodate increasing service demands and capacity needs, featuring layers for data provisioning, storage, and subscription management.
3. IMS Modernization: The IMS solutions employed by SoftBank will be upgraded to Ericsson Cloud IMS. This change is expected to enhance the quality of voice and multimedia services, aiding in the faster rollout of innovative services.
These advancements will not only enable SoftBank to bring new offerings to market promptly, but they will also streamline operational processes through cloud automation, significantly reducing operational expenditures. Additionally, improvements in orchestration and energy efficiency will lead to lower overall network energy consumption.
As a trusted partner, Ericsson continues to support SoftBank in constructing a robust innovative platform utilizing AI and cloud technologies, aiming for new business value creation. The long-standing partnership between the two companies encompasses both core network solutions and radio access network hardware, setting the stage for further advancements in telecommunications.
As Japan steadily approaches a fully realized 5G landscape, this collaboration is set to have a profound impact on the nation’s telecommunications sector and broader digital economy. The evolution brought forth by this agreement marks a critical step towards a more connected and technologically advanced society, aligning with global trends in telecommunications.
Consequently, the anticipated modernization of SoftBank's core network by Ericsson underscores a pivotal shift in how telecom services are constructed and delivered, ultimately enhancing user experience in an increasingly digital world.
Topics Telecommunications）
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