Ericsson Unveils AI Software in RAN Subscription

Ericsson unveiled a software subscription designed to bring telco-grade AI models directly into basebands and radios. It would enable operators to boost 5G performance, automation, and energy efficiency without adding new hardware.

The software uses AI models designed to operate in real time within the RAN, supported by continuous learning and agentic AI capabilities for more advanced network operations. The company stated its telco-grade models are built for ultra-low-latency inference, with a focus on reliability across diverse RAN environments.

The service works with Ericsson 5G Advanced across purpose-built and Cloud RAN platforms. The company stated that the software uses its silicon in radios and the latest generation of RAN compute to employ the right AI model in the right part of the radio network, while its AI capabilities can also be deployed across partner platforms.

The first features are now available, with more to follow later in the year. Initial functions include an AI-powered scheduler for link adaptation, beamforming and multi-layer coordination. Ericsson claimed the technology has been deployed in more than 15 trials worldwide, delivering up to 20% higher downlink throughput and up to 10% better spectral efficiency, alongside support for up to twice as many high-traffic users. It also said AI in RAN could achieve up to 95% coverage prediction accuracy.