Ericsson Year in Review 2024: January to June

2024 saw Ericsson celebrate new and continuing global partnerships and significant technology milestones. Key themes included European digitalization and competitiveness, network API partnerships, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Explore Ericsson’s 2024 achievements and news highlights in the first part of our annual news overview - January to June.

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Dec 20, 2024

#Ericsson2024 #EricssonInReview #EricssonNews

Ericsson news 2024 - image collage January to June.

January: Starting the year with a 5G focus

The year began with news that Ericsson extended its partnership with MTN to enhance mobile financial services in Africa, advancing financial inclusion and technology innovation in the region. Meanwhile, Ericsson, T-Mobile, and Qualcomm made tech history by carrying out the world's first six-component carrier aggregation (6CC) data call, reaching speeds over 3.6 Gbps. This breakthrough will enhance network capacity and performance across industries.

In Canada, Ericsson also launched a 5G standalone network with TELUS, capitalizing on our 5G Core technology leadershiop. This development will transform connectivity in Canada by enabling new consumer, internet of things (IoT), enterprise, and public safety applications with ultra-low latency and faster speeds.

Highlighting our commitment to sustainability, Ericsson was again recognized among the top Global 100 sustainable companies, while also receiving approval from the Science Based Targets initiative for its second round of climate targets focused on achieving Net Zero.

February: All eyes on MWC Barcelona

February centered on Mobile World Congress 2024. Ericsson showcased a series of significant advancements and collaborations that marked a substantial progression in telecommunications and network technology. In Barcelona, Börje Ekholm, Ericsson President and CEO, emphasized the importance of placing networks at the center of digitalization with 5G playing a transformative role. He also highlighted the convergence of physical and digital worlds, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, and mobility, to drive innovation and efficiency.

Ericsson presented its latest innovations in network technology, including an augmented reality (AR) station, an open radio access network (O-RAN) stand, and a live demonstration of mission-critical communications. These demos highlighted the company's strategy focused on open, programmable, and cloud-native networks, which are crucial for enhancing performance, security, and energy efficiency. This approach also emphasized the overarching theme of shaping the future.

Updates to Ericsson’s network solutions portfolio were on show at MWC, featuring 12 new products that improve 5G network performance, sustainability, and openness.

In a demonstration of 5G's potential, Ericsson and Telefónica hosted a live holographic concert, showcasing the ability of 5G to transform live entertainment. This MWC event featured high-quality holographic representations and real-time synchronization alongside a concert by renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang, offering a glimpse into the future of live events powered by advanced network technologies.

Venturing beyond MWC, Ericsson's collaboration with BT Group and Qualcomm on network slicing trials demonstrated the potential of 5G standalone networks to support high-demand applications like mobile gaming and video conferencing.

Vonage, an Ericsson-owned company, is working to enable developers across the globe to create innovative and secure applications by exposing network application programming interfaces (APIs) combined with Ericsson’s 5G network capabilities. This aim - part of Ericsson’s programmable network drive - was seen in February in multiple significant partnerships, including Amazon Web Services, Verizon, and AT&T.

In India, Ericsson and the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur announced a long-term cooperation for joint research to develop novel AI and distributed compute technology toward 6G research. While in Australia, Ericsson partnered with Telstra to deploy Advanced Micro Devices' high-density microprocessors in the cloud native infrastructure, enhancing the energy efficiency of Telstra’s 5G Core functions. The partners also launched a world-first high-speed link to King Island, improving network resilience and enhancing mobile coverage, capacity, and data speeds for local consumers and small businesses.

Meanwhile, Ericsson reinforced its commitment to open standards, interoperability, and the shared goal of pushing the boundaries of wireless technology by joining the OpenAirInterface Software Alliance. This collaboration is set to accelerate the development of 5G and the transition toward 6G by fostering innovation and providing access to open technology stacks and implementations for research and development.

February saw Ericsson publish the Business Review 2024, the second special business edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report. The report outlines four key areas for 5G growth among communications service providers (CSPs) and discusses how they can leverage network APIs and programmable networks in their strategies.

The Ericsson ConsumerLab Report on 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) highlights that 70 percent of households using 5G FWA have chosen it as their main connectivity solution due to its flexibility, customization, and ease of installation. It also notes that households report their satisfaction with 5G FWA is on par with fiber networks. The report also offers strategies for CSPs to capture 5G FWA growth.

March: Accelerating digitalization in Europe

Ericsson's Annual Report 2023 emphasized the company's progress on three key priorities: enhancing leadership in mobile networks, expanding the enterprise business, and fostering cultural transformation.

In Australia, Optus was one of the first CSPs in the world to test the high-capacity wideband multi-operator Ericsson Radio Dot System that boosts indoor connectivity in venues such as sports arenas, multistory buildings, and shopping centers. While in Jordan, Ericsson and Umniah announced a strategic alliance aimed at elevating network performance using AI and machine learning (ML).

A report by Ericsson and Juniper Research predicted a 40 percent increase in mobile financial services user adoption and an 80 percent growth in transaction value over the next five years, highlighting significant opportunities for CSPs worldwide.

The establishment of the Ericsson Federal Technologies Group marked a significant step toward a 5G-driven digital modernization of US agencies. The newly formed organization will partner with leading systems integrators, existing clients, and US government agencies to evaluate the need for emerging technologies, promote innovative solutions, and facilitate global standardization, which is crucial for the progression to 6G.

Speaking at a seminar in Tallinn, Estonia, Ericsson President and CEO, Börje Ekholm, advocated for Europe to prioritize innovation over regulation to boost the digital infrastructure and compete in technology leadership with markets such as the US, China, and India.

“European policymakers have an essential role in making this possible,” he said.

The topic was also echoed in Ericsson's presentation to the G7 business wing in Verona, Italy as delegates discussed the essential role of digital infrastructure and AI in driving digital transformation and enhancing competitiveness.

April: Driving innovation around the globe

April started Ericsson being named the 2024 Google Cloud Partner of the Year for Technology: Telecommunications thanks to its 5G portfolio on Google Cloud.

In Switzerland, Ericsson and Swisscom announced a collaboration to enhance Swisscom's 5G network with advanced technologies aimed at improving its innovation ecosystem, focusing on performance and energy efficiency. While in Egypt, Ericsson teamed up with Orange Egypt to strengthen its network architecture, boost service quality, and maximize the partner ecosystem.

Focusing on 5G, Ericsson and Turkcell established a research and development 5G test network at Istanbul Technical University for telecommunication ecosystem partners, universities, and industries.

In India, Ericsson's collaboration with the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (F.I.R.S.T) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur aims to drive innovation in mobile financial services and financial technology solutions, focusing on creating impactful customer-oriented technologies. In the US, Ericsson and Nex-Tech Wireless partnered to boost connectivity in Kansas through the deployment of advanced 5G solutions and network modernization.

Sustainability grabbed headlines in Canada as Ericsson joined Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge program as part of the country's efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Vonage partnered with Singtel to integrate Vonage’s API platform with Singtel’s orchestration platform, enhancing Paragon-enabled telcos from Singapore, Thailand, Spain, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

Reinforcing the need for urgent digitalization in Europe, Ericsson teamed up with Nokia, IBM, Intel, and Vodafone, urging policymakers to act swiftly to foster a true Digital Single Market and enhance connectivity across the region.

May: Mission-critical solutions and technology leadership

Ericsson's was recognized as a leader in the Frost Radar™ 5G Network Infrastructure Market analysis for the fourth consecutive year, underscoring the company’s commitment to technology leadership and innovation.

Two significant activities with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) occurred, including a joint program to enhance enterprise capabilities through 5G technologies to position the country as a leading digital nation. DNB also completed a successful trial of a Multi-band Booster solution to boost the capacity, reach, and coverage of the world-leading 5G network.

In Jordan, the agreement signed between Umniah and Ericsson focuses on expanding 3G and 4G networks in major cities. They aim to improve coverage and provide high-speed mobile data to more people, supporting the evolution of the telecommunications sector in the kingdom.

Meanwhile, in Sweden, the introduction of 5G at the Stockholm Megastar concerts at Sweden’s National Friends Arena in collaboration with Tele2 revolutionized the fan experience, enhancing connectivity for video sharing and content streaming, and unlocking new opportunities for connected experiences at large events.

At Critical Communications World 2024 in Dubai, Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions, also known as Cradlepoint, showcased mission-critical solutions for public safety and critical infrastructure.

The strategic partnership between Ericsson and Dell Technologies aims to help CSPs through their O-RAN cloud network transformation journeys, leveraging integrated solutions and support.

At the Ericsson USA 5G Smart Factory, Dronus, Qualcomm, and Ericsson collaborated on a demo 5G use case with mmWave-powered drone, showcasing how drones can efficiently perform tasks like inventory checks in warehouses using 5G technology to optimize operational efficiency.

A key milestone of the month was a European-digitalization-focused guided tour of the Ericsson HQ Imagine Studio in Stockholm for six European prime ministers by Ericsson President and CEO, Börje Ekholm, followed by a closed prime ministerial meeting.

June: Sustainability in focus at the mid-year mark

The Ericsson Mobility Report highlighted the impact of 5G on FWA strategies, underscoring the benefits of speed, low latency, and data handling capabilities of 5G FWA. The report presents four case studies and forecasts related to 5G.

Ericsson and DNB's partnership in Malaysia won a second global award for an AI-powered intent-based operations solution. This innovative solution is transforming DNB’s 5G network by enhancing agility, streamlining management, and boosting security and network resilience.

In Germany, O2 Telefónica and Ericsson renewed their core network partnership. The multi-year contract extension aims to advance innovation and enhance functionality within O2 Telefónica‘s core network, serving their 45 million mobile subscribers.

Vonage partnered with Telstra to create advanced network APIs aimed at developing innovative applications. This memorandum of understanding aims to improve connectivity and digital services, enhancing customer experiences in Australia.

In New Zealand, Ericsson and 2degrees announced a project to enhance the microwave network. The partnership focuses on replacing large parts of 2degrees’ existing microwave network infrastructure with Ericsson MINI-LINK products, enabling high-quality connectivity and service for customers.

June also saw Ericsson release the thirteenth edition of the Ericsson ConsumerLab report on 10 Hot Consumer Trends: The AI powered future. The report provided insights on AI and early adopters, predicting the impact on consumer behavior and technology adoption.

Ericsson and TOMRA teamed up to develop new circular solutions for waste management. The partnership aims to utilize advanced technologies to improve recycling processes, minimizing the environmental impact of waste and reflecting Ericsson's commitment to sustainability.

As the first half of the year came to a close, attention shifted toward enhancing energy efficiency at network sites. Ericsson’s new Site Energy Orchestration solution connects radio access networks with power grids, reducing energy costs and carbon emissions while creating new revenue opportunities.

Read the July-to-December Ericsson Year in Review 2024 news article via this link.

Links:

Ericsson and MTN extend partnership

Ericsson, T-Mobile and Qualcomm deliver 6CC data call

Ericsson advances 5G standalone network in Canada

Ericsson among top Global 100 sustainable companies

Second round of Ericsson climate action targets approved by SBTi

Ericsson announces leadership changes to the Executive Team

Ericsson appoints Lars Sandström as its new Chief Financial Officer

Börje Ekholm opens Ericsson’s MWC 2024 in Barcelona

Ericsson demos future networks at Mobile World Congress 2024

Ericsson enhances Networks’ portfolio ahead of MWC 2024