The arrival of 5G Advanced is generating excitement across the telecom industry as the next evolutionary step beyond the initial 5G rollout. Ericsson’s 5G Advanced features promise to unlock unprecedented network performance, intelligent automation capabilities, differentiated connectivity through network slicing and APIs, and new service opportunities that will transform industries and consumer experiences alike.
From performance-based connectivity models to AI-powered network autonomy, Ericsson 5G Advanced enables CSPs to move beyond best-effort mobile broadband into a new era of programmable, intent-driven networks. These capabilities open the door to richer consumer applications, advanced enterprise solutions, and scalable efficiencies in network operations.
But before CSPs can fully leverage these innovations, they must lay the proper groundwork. Simply flipping a switch won’t be enough; unlocking the benefits of Ericsson 5G Advanced requires strategic alignment and readiness across technical and operational domains.
Core and radio access network (RAN) infrastructure readiness is crucial
At the heart of Ericsson 5G Advanced lies the 5G standalone (SA) core—a cloud-native, modular architecture that enables features like intelligent network slicing, network optimization based on AI or machine learning (ML), and Advanced quality of service (QoS) handling. These capabilities cannot be unleashed without a fully deployed 5G SA core, since many features of Release 18 depend on its dynamic service composition and exposure mechanisms.
It is equally important to ensure that the RAN hardware supports the enhanced capabilities required for Ericsson 5G Advanced. This includes higher-order multiple input multiple output (MIMO), dynamic beamforming, multiband support, and carrier aggregation, all of which are essential for boosting uplink and downlink throughput, as well as improving coverage and user experience at the cell edge. At the same time, RAN infrastructure must support reduced bandwidth channels, simplified signaling, and low-complexity end user equipmentenabling reduced capability (RedCap) devices and new service types.
Moreover, Ericsson 5G Advanced requires RAN hardware that can support AI and ML functionalities such as real-time telemetry, open application programming interfaces (APIs), and highly accurate synchronization. These features enable agile service deployment, automation, and continuous innovation.
The role of spectrum and transport infrastructure
Access to mid-band spectrum, such as 3.5 GHz, and millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies is fundamental for the high capacity, low latency, and flexible service delivery that define Ericsson 5G Advanced. These bands unleash RAN features such as massive MIMO, Advanced uplink enhancements, carrier aggregation, and integrated sensing while also supporting diverse business cases like slicing and RedCap devices.
However, spectrum alone is not enough. The increased data volumes and service complexity introduced by Ericsson 5G Advanced place significant demands on the transport infrastructure. Upgraded fronthaul and backhaul capacity, ultra-low-latency connectivity, and real-time coordination between distributed and centralized units are critical, especially in cloud and virtualized RAN architectures. Additionally, AI-driven optimization and edge computing increase telemetry and internal network traffic, which require robust, scalable transport networks to avoid bottlenecks that could undermine performance and monetization.
Leveraging operational and automation capabilities
As network complexity and service diversity grow with 5G Advanced, CSPs must embrace intelligent, agile, and data-driven operations. Modernized operations support systems (OSS) and business support systems (BSS) are essential for delivering differentiated connectivity at scale, assuring SLAs, and managing hybrid cloud environments in real time.
Core features such as AI-native optimization, network slicing, and dynamic provisioning depend on OSS/BSS platforms that support intent-based automation and closed-loop assurance. Within this framework, rApps in the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) layer are central to AI-driven network optimization—automating tasks such as traffic steering, interference management, and energy efficiency to enhance performance and reduce OPEX. These capabilities, spanning business, service, and resource layers, accelerate the journey toward autonomous networks. Without them, CSPs risk inefficiencies, service disruptions, and missed revenue opportunities.
Ensuring security and regulatory compliance
The dynamic, programmable, and multitenant nature of 5G Advanced features can increase the cyber threat surface. Features such as network slicing, edge computing, and API exposure require robust security frameworks to protect identity management, isolate slices, secure data at the edge, and safely orchestrate virtualized network functions.
Furthermore, enterprise and mission-critical business cases depend on strict security guarantees to meet regulatory compliance and build trust. Ensuring network security readiness before activating Ericsson 5G Advanced features is non-negotiable for sustainable success.
Improving device availability and capability
Finally, the ecosystem of devices must be ready to support Ericsson 5G Advanced features. Enhanced carrier aggregation, RedCap, slicing, and AI-assisted optimization depend on compatible devices that support relevant spectrum bands and Release 18 enhancements, such as uplink MIMO and Advanced QoS.
CSPs need a critical mass of Release 18-capable smartphones, wearables, sensors, and industrial devices to deliver and monetize the full value of Ericsson 5G Advanced services.
CSPs need a critical mass of smartphones, wearables, sensors, and industrial devices that are compatible with Release 18 to deliver and monetize the full value of 5G Advanced services.
Embrace the next wave of 5G innovation with Ericsson
The journey to capitalize on the new business and operational paradigms enabled by Ericsson 5G Advanced is as much about preparation as it is about innovation. By ensuring readiness across core and RAN infrastructure, spectrum and transport, operational systems, security frameworks, and device ecosystems, CSPs can transition from best-effort broadband to differentiated connectivity—unlocking new revenue streams, operational agility, and exceptional user experiences.
Read more:
Discover Ericsson 5G Advanced now
