Telstra and Ericsson launch programmable 5G Advanced network

Telstra is partnering with Ericsson to launch a state-of-the-art programmable 5G Advanced network.

The upgrade will see Telstra incorporate Ericsson’s next-generation Open RAN-ready hardware, 5G Advanced software, and AI-powered automation. These innovations will allow the network to self-diagnose and self-heal, boosting operational efficiency and delivering unparalleled reliability and performance. 

5G Advanced: A programmable network for modern demands

At the heart of the transformation is the deployment of a high-performing, programmable network. Telstra intends to leverage this platform to deliver more tailored connectivity services, foster innovative application development, and address the unique demands of its customers.

Vicki Brady, CEO of Telstra, said: “We are at an inflection point, where customer needs for technology and connectivity are becoming more sophisticated, requiring a step change in how connectivity is delivered and consumed. At the same time, demand for mobile data on our network has tripled over the past five years.

“Through our partnership with Ericsson – the first-of-its-kind for any operator across Asia-Pacific – we will evolve our offering and improve the efficiency of how we use our spectrum so we can increase our 5G network capacity to deliver better consistency of performance, reliability and speed to millions of customers.”

The programmable capabilities of 5G Advanced networks also open doors for developers and innovators across industries, enabling the creation of game-changing applications for businesses and consumers alike.

“With a programmable network we will move from a one-size-fits all proposition, to being able to deliver more sophisticated use cases and commercial models to provide a differentiated and more tailored connectivity experience to customers,” explains Brady.

Driving Industry 4.0 in Australia

The deployment of 5G Advanced capabilities, supported by Ericsson’s standalone 5G solutions, marks a definitive step toward the realisation of Industry 4.0 in Australia. This evolution is expected to empower businesses with faster, secure, and differentiated connectivity, laying the groundwork for next-generation use cases in manufacturing, health, transport, and beyond.

Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, commented: “High-performing programmable networks are the building blocks to digitise enterprises and nations. Telstra, a longstanding early adopter partner of Ericsson, is set to enjoy the benefits that Ericsson 5G Standalone connectivity will bring.

“This faster, more secure, and differentiated connectivity will transform consumer and enterprise experiences and enable developers to use 5G technologies to experiment, innovate, and build game-changing applications.

“Through this deal, Telstra is also empowering Australians – from single developers to the nation’s largest industries – to play their part in ensuring Australia is competitive on the global stage. We look forward to working closely with Telstra to make that happen.”

The upgraded network will improve how Telstra utilises its spectrum investments and deploys resources with advantages including:

• Doubling 5G capacity: The network will deliver enhanced performance and better consistency in service.
• Expanded coverage: Greater depth of reach and improved uplink and downlink speeds are expected.
• Energy efficiency: A significant reduction in energy consumption aligns with Telstra’s sustainability goals.
• Differentiated connectivity: Consumers and enterprises will gain the ability to personalise their service experience, moving beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all approach.

Telstra also plans to reimagine its commercial offerings, providing performance-based services tailored to specific applications and industries. This dovetails with recent advancements in network programmability, allowing customers to take greater control over their connectivity requirements.

Ericsson tech underpins the programmable 5G Advanced network

The transformation will be underpinned by Ericsson’s latest suite of 5G technologies. These include Open RAN-ready Massive MIMO radios, RAN Compute solutions, and the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP).

The EIAP platform is particularly noteworthy as it enables advanced automation techniques, such as machine learning and AI, for self-optimising networks. Developers can use EIAP tools to create and deploy custom applications – known as ‘rApps’ – that maximise network performance, boost operational efficiency, and ensure sustainable operations.

Telstra’s programmable 5G Advanced infrastructure will also play a critical role in supporting Aduna, a global venture recently co-founded by Telstra and Ericsson. Aduna aims to accelerate telecom industry monetisation by unlocking the potential of network APIs.

The Aduna project – which also involves telecom heavyweights such as AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, BT, and Verizon – intends to create a global platform that leverages aggregated APIs to spur the development of new use cases across industries ranging from healthcare to gaming.

The initiative was first announced in September 2024, with the official name “Aduna” unveiled in January 2025. According to its founders, Aduna will empower millions of developers worldwide by providing easy access to advanced network features—laying the foundation for an innovation-first telecom ecosystem.

By embracing 5G Advanced capabilities, Telstra is better equipped to handle evolving customer demands, meet growing data expectations, and deliver measurable improvements in performance, reliability, and sustainability. Meanwhile, the adoption of programmable network capabilities promises to unlock new possibilities for the Asia-Pacific telecom sector.

See also: Ericsson, Dell, and Red Hat aim for smarter multi-vendor networks

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Tags: 5G, 5g advanced, aduna, ai, api, artificial intelligence, automation, connectivity, developers, ericsson, mobile, Networks, open ran, telecoms, telstra