Ericsson is preparing for the artificial intelligence (AI) era with new network technologies. It aims to support effective use of AI by increasing uplink speeds needed for data transmission and reducing latency.

Ericsson Korea held a pre-MWC26 media briefing on Feb. 25 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul. Sibel Tombaz (시벨 톰바즈), CEO of Ericsson Korea, said, "We will enable 5G and 6G to evolve in a complementary way," and added, "We will support the creation of new business models."

Ericsson explained that 5G-Advanced, AI RAN, cloud-native architecture, network APIs and automation technologies will be key pillars driving change. It stressed that as AI-based applications and enterprise services increase, network performance, latency, security and reliability are emerging as core factors determining telecom operators' competitiveness.

Ji-hyun Lee (이지현), head of networks and chief technology officer at Ericsson Korea, said, "Ericsson is providing network slicing and various tools required by different AI services," and added, "We will also unveil advanced software such as intelligent scheduling and low-latency mobility."

Lee said, "This year, we completed a cloud RAN trial with one domestic (telecom) operator," and added, "We plan to support innovation on the journey toward 6G."

Ericsson presented the implementation of autonomous networks, a hybrid network strategy, enhanced capabilities to support mission-critical services, and expansion of network API-based services as key tasks in the current telecom market. Ericsson plans to introduce a neural network accelerator into its in-house silicon Isaac (ASIC) to support 10 times the AI computing capability, and to unveil radios with improved connection speeds.

Seok-won Hong (홍석원), head of cloud software services and CTO at Ericsson Korea, stressed the importance of autonomous network technology. He said, "Autonomous networks are an essential element for services differentiated from communications networks," and added, "Given various layers and vendor situations, openness through standards-based interfaces is key."

Ericsson also plans to unveil its 5G and next-generation network strategies for the AI era and examples of global cooperation during MWC26. Tombaz said, "Ericsson accelerates innovation by providing technological capabilities that first implemented autonomous network Level 4 in the world and reliable AI-based solutions across radio, core and business layers."