Telenor and Ericsson have achieved a significant milestone in their research and innovation collaboration by developing a groundbreaking Agentic AI system for radio network optimisation. This innovative proof of concept focuses on enhancing the capacity and power efficiency of Radio Access Networks (RAN). The Agentic AI system represents a major leap forward in autonomous technology, as it is capable of making decisions and solving complex problems independently, beyond the limitations of its training data. This development marks a successful first year of their innovation partnership, with promising results for the telecom industry.

Agentic AI offers a unique capability by autonomously designing and executing workflows, which opens new possibilities for network management. By training the AI on real-world data in a simulated environment, Telenor and Ericsson have demonstrated the system’s ability to optimise RAN performance. Vegard Tingstad, Head of Mobile Access at Telenor Norway, emphasised that this innovation was enabled by leveraging live RAN parameters from Telenor’s network. Early simulated results are encouraging, showing up to a 4% reduction in energy usage for radio units, in addition to current power-saving features already in place.

The potential of Agentic AI extends beyond energy efficiency, offering a revolutionary approach to automation in network management. Rita Mokbel, Head of Global Customer Unit Telenor at Ericsson Group, highlighted its ability to replace manual processes with automated systems, improving performance and reducing operational costs. The partnership’s scope also includes exploring 5G positioning, private networks, and explainable AI in mobile networks. Another key focus is the use of rApps, or RAN automation applications, which run on Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform. This platform integrates multiple Ericsson technologies to streamline RAN management, reduce complexity, and enhance quality.

The collaboration also empowers Telenor to accelerate its own innovation efforts by embracing a broader partner ecosystem and shared expertise. Acting EVP and Group Chief Technology Officer at Telenor, Cathal Kennedy, noted the importance of rApps and Ericsson’s open network management platform in driving faster market deployment. This partnership aligns with Telenor and Ericsson’s shared vision of advancing autonomous network capabilities and leveraging AI to transform mobile networks. By focusing on energy efficiency, trustworthiness, and resilience, the two companies aim to deliver impactful advancements in telecommunications.

Looking ahead, the partnership promises to deliver transformative outcomes for the telecom industry. Erik Ekudden, SVP and CTO at Ericsson Group, stressed the importance of collaboration within the open ecosystem to achieve sustainable operations and enhance network capabilities. The initiative is expected to yield valuable AI research insights, test and deploy AI solutions in live networks, and validate new business models. Together, Telenor and Ericsson are poised to drive open innovation, accelerate AI adoption in telecommunications, and contribute to a more sustainable and connected future.