Ericsson and BT have signed a deal to deploy Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core, as the UK operator took steps to replace Huawei gear in sensitive parts of its infrastructure. New 5G Core, delivered on BT’s Network Cloud, will form a key component in their move to a single converged IP network.
The solution will incorporate network orchestration and automation, including continuous delivery and integration processes (CI/CD), and be integrated into BT’s existing customer experience management platforms using Ericsson Expert Analytics together with Ericsson’s built-in software probes. The deal is an extension of partnership between the two companies.
The containerization of core network functions will enable BT to benefit from greater industry innovation in many areas, including automation, orchestration, network resilience, security and faster upgrade techniques. This means increasing overall network availability for customers and services while being cost-effective. The Ericsson 5G Core will help BT to create and deliver new services such as enhanced mobile broadband, network slicing, mobile edge computing, mission critical vertical industry support and advanced enterprise services.
“Having evaluated different 5G Core vendors, we have selected Ericsson as the best option on the basis of both lab performance and future roadmap. We are looking forward to working together as we build out our converged 4G and 5G core network across the UK. An agile, cloud-native core infrastructure is at the heart of our ambition to enable the next generation of exciting 5G services for our customers and give the UK the world-class digital infrastructure it needs to win in the future global economy,“ said Howard Watson, CTIO of BT.
“Ericsson and BT have a long history of working together and we are delighted to continue that relationship with this new dual-mode 5G Core deal,“ said Marielle Lindgren, Head of Ericsson UK and Ireland. “We, at Ericsson, have been in the UK for over a century and delivering the next generation of connectivity here is yet another proud part of our story,“ added Lindgren.
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The GSMA believes that critical reform of European laws is necessary to position the region as a technology frontrunner by 2030.
