SoftBank selects Ericsson for major 4G and 5G network upgrades

Telecoms giant SoftBank is teaming up with Ericsson to upgrade its 4G and 5G mobile networks, with a focus on AI optimisations.

This is a major rollout of new 4G and 5G technology across many of Japan’s key regions, from Hokkaido in the north to the areas around Tokyo and beyond. The plan is to build a network that is not only faster but also more intelligent and reliable.

A big part of the project is expanding 5G Standalone, which is often considered as the ‘true’ 5G experience. It doesn’t lean on older 4G infrastructure, which means it can deliver on the promise of ultra-fast speeds and near-instant response times needed for future technologies.

Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive VP and CTO at SoftBank, commented: “SoftBank will promote network enhancement with a focus on 5G Standalone deployment and AI utilisation, delivering an outstanding user experience for both enterprise and consumer customers in Japan.

“We are confident that adopting Ericsson’s advanced radio technology will further accelerate the enhancement of our network’s quality and operational efficiency with AI.”

Ericsson sees this as part of a much bigger story. Their Head of Market Area North East Asia, Chafic Nassif, pointed out that this collaboration will help SoftBank improve customer experiences through the clever use of AI and automation.

Chafic Nassif, Head of Market Area North East Asia at Ericsson, explained: “SoftBank has been at the forefront of connectivity engagement through every generation of mobility. As digitalisation ramps up, Ericsson will work closely with SoftBank in our strengthened partnership to help drive its digital leadership ambitions through improved end-user experiences, AI, and automation.

“This will also support SoftBank’s role in helping Japan to achieve its wider digital economy aims as a nation.”

A key part of the new kit for SoftBank is a lighter, easier-to-install 5G antenna that is also much kinder to the planet, using up to 35 percent less energy than older models. But the real brains of the operation lie in Ericsson’s new baseband units. These have powerful custom-built chips inside that are designed to run AI right there on the mast.

This means SoftBank’s network can make smart, real-time decisions to improve your 5G signal, manage traffic, and fix issues on the fly, all while using less power. It aims to put AI to practical use to make the digital world a little bit smoother for millions of people.

(Image credit: Ericsson)

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Tags: 5G, 5g standalone, ai, artificial intelligence, automation, connectivity, ericsson, mobile, networks, Operators, softbank, sustainability, telecoms