#Australia #Sydney #Ericsson #5G Network #Telstra

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

In a groundbreaking move set to revolutionize connectivity across Asia-Pacific, Australian telecommunications giant Telstra has joined forces with Ericsson to launch the region's first high-performance programmable network. This innovative initiative will not only enhance network capabilities but also drive new monetization opportunities for Telstra's diverse customer base, including both consumer and enterprise sectors.

Major Deployment Ahead

The ambitious four-year deployment aims to utilize Ericsson’s next-generation technology, equipping Telstra’s radio access network (RAN) with Open RAN-ready hardware and advanced 5G software. This upgrade is pivotal, as Telstra seeks to boost its network's resilience, reliability, and overall performance. The integration of AI and automation will streamline network management, with capabilities like self-detection and self-healing becoming standard, ensuring optimal service continuity.

According to Vicki Brady, CEO at Telstra, the pressure on networks has intensified, fueled by a tripling of mobile data demand over the past five years. Brady states, _"We are at an inflection point where customer needs for technology and connectivity are becoming more sophisticated. Our partnership with Ericsson allows us to evolve our offerings significantly, thereby improving how we utilize our spectrum and enhancing our 5G capacity. This will facilitate a broader range of tailored services that meet specific customer demands.”_

As the industry shifts towards more customized connectivity solutions, the programmable network will empower users to create their own service experiences, breaking the traditional one-size-fits-all model of mobile services. Telstra aims to maximize its investment in spectrum and operational efficiency, effectively doubling its 5G capacity while also reducing energy consumption and enhancing service consistency.

The Technological Edge

The partnership will leverage several cutting-edge technologies, including Ericsson's Open RAN-ready Massive MIMO radios and new RAN Compute solutions, which are crucial for delivering new services and increasing operational efficiency. Furthermore, the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP) will be integrated to foster better network management and automation. This platform supports multi-vendor and multi-technology environments and improves operational sustainability through advanced automation techniques, including machine learning and AI.

Further reinforcing this ecosystem of innovation is Aduna, a global venture founded by Ericsson, Telstra, and several prominent telecom industry players such as Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone. Aduna focuses on selling network APIs on a global scale, enabling developers worldwide to tap into advanced capabilities easily.

A New Era for Telecommunications

Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, emphasizes the importance of these programmable networks, stating, _"They are the building blocks to digitalize enterprises and nations. With our partnership, we are setting the stage for superior consumer and enterprise experiences, inviting developers to experiment and innovate using 5G technologies.”_

The newly established capacity will not only draw in tech innovators but also significantly impact industries across Australia, promoting competitiveness on a global scale. This strategic initiative represents a strong commitment to advancing telecommunications and embracing digital transformation in the region.

As Telstra continues to evolve its services, customers can anticipate improved connectivity experiences, with tailored offerings developed from a deeper understanding of their unique requirements.

In conclusion, as Telstra partners with Ericsson to spearhead this programmable network initiative, the telecommunications landscape in Asia-Pacific stands on the brink of transformative change, setting new standards for connectivity in the digital age.