Ericsson, SoftBank Partner to Advance AI-RAN Integration

Stockholm, Sweden, Tokyo, Japan - Ericsson (ERICb.ST) and SoftBank Corp (9434.T) have agreed to jointly explore AI-RAN integration to improve network efficiency and performance. 

The collaboration aims to develop innovative solutions combining artificial intelligence (AI) and radio access networks (RAN) on shared network infrastructure.

The partnership will focus on creating a common network and computing platform solution that enables AI and RAN to operate on the same network infrastructure. 

This initiative is expected to drive new use cases for telecom operators by leveraging AI to enhance network efficiency.

Ericsson and SoftBank plan to conduct technical, and economic analysis, prototype development, and lab trials to optimize AI and RAN integration at the edge. 

The companies will also evaluate hardware partitioning, load balancing, and software portability across different platforms.

Key focus areas of the collaboration include:

• Optimizing AI and RAN integration architecture, particularly for Centralized-RAN (C-RAN), including assessment of pros and cons of AI and RAN processing on shared hardware.
• Managing hardware and workload sharing between AI and RAN applications.
• Conduct engineering demonstrations to test RAN applications and AI engines running on the same hardware and verify resource-sharing methods.

Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks at Ericsson, said,

"We are excited to explore the possibilities of merging AI and RAN infrastructure with SoftBank. This initiative reaffirms Ericsson's commitment to innovation and excellence."

Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO of SoftBank Corp., stated,

"This new collaboration with Ericsson aligns with SoftBank's strategy to invest in AI infrastructure that can contribute to RAN overlay and efficiency."

Ericsson and SoftBank are founding members of the AI-RAN Alliance, which was announced at MWC Barcelona 2024. 

The alliance aims to advance RAN technology and mobile networks through collaborative AI efforts in telecommunications.

The companies did not disclose financial details or specific timelines for the project.