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Unlock the future of connectivity with CTO Focus Sessions

Unlock the future of connectivity with CTO Focus Sessions

Explore insights from industry visionaries as they discuss their experiences and the transformative potential of connectivity technologies.

Industry dialogues around connectivity innovation

Step into the fast lane with CTO Focus Sessions, hosted by Erik Ekudden, Ericsson’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as he engages with key industry players. Together they explore the future of connectivity and emerging technologies. With more exciting discussions on the horizon, subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates directly in your inbox whenever a new session is released.

 

Unleashing the full potential of AI in telecom

Join Erik Ekudden and Bruno Zerbib, CTIO of the Orange Group, as they engage in an insightful conversation about network APIs and AI use cases in telecommunications. The dialogue unveils new monetization opportunities for telcos, driven by the advent of innovative use cases in AI and network APIs.

The conversation then shifts to the groundbreaking joint venture between Ericsson and leading telecom operators including Orange. Bruno and Erik discuss how the venture is set to scale automation, AI applications and use cases, harnessing autonomous capabilities and fostering open innovation. Bruno also talks about the dual opportunities AI presents in enhancing network orchestration and reimagining connectivity for optimal future experiences.

Erik Ekudden and Bruno Zerbib, CTIO of the Orange Group (Video length – 5 minutes 28 seconds)

Erik Ekudden in conversation with Ryuji Wakikawa, SoftBank Corp. (Video length – 9 minutes 29 seconds)

AI Cloud and 5G: Innovation transforming the enterprise landscape

Join Erik Ekudden, CTO Ericsson, and Ryuji Wakikawa, VP and Head of the Research Institute of Advanced Technology at SoftBank Corp., as they explore the transformative potential of AI cloud and 5G in the enterprise world. The session deep dives into how AI cloud capabilities can seamlessly integrate with mobile networks to unlock new business value.

Discover how AI and 5G revolutionize enterprises with enhanced digitalization, automation, and security. This session offers valuable perspectives on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to support a wide range of target audiences – communication service providers, developers, or enterprise leaders – to drive efficiency and innovation, enabling them to be at the forefront of technology evolution.

Erik Ekudden and Enrique Blanco, CTIO of Telefonica Group (Video length – 7 minutes 06 seconds)

Revolutionizing networks with AI

Join Erik Ekudden, CTO Ericsson, and Enrique Blanco, CTIO of Telefonica Group, as they explore the future of the telecommunications industry. In their discussion, Enrique highlights the recent joint venture aimed at standardizing access to network assets for developers, which he describes as the most relevant industry announcement in the past thirty years. He emphasizes the importance of building networks for customers and the potential of new network APIs to enable innovative use cases such as quality on demand, advanced positioning for security, and fraud prevention. Enrique also discusses the transformative role of AI in automating and optimizing network management, predicting that AI will become a critical tool in planning and controlling networks.

Erik Ekudden, CTO Ericsson, and Sridhar Ramaswamy, CEO at Snowflake (Video length – 8 minutes 35 seconds)

Advancing the future through AI-powered innovation

Join Erik Ekudden, CTO Ericsson, and Sridhar Ramaswamy, CEO  at Snowflake, as they discuss the evolving landscape of technology, focusing on the pivotal role of data, resilient cloud platforms, and 5G in shaping the future of networks and enterprise innovation. Sridhar highlights how AI and language models are all set to transform data usage by seamlessly converting unstructured information into actionable insights. He emphasizes the role of data platforms in streamlining network behavior, driving synergy between devices, and enabling real-time programmability and insights. Both Ericsson and Snowflake are major players in the digital transformation space, and their collaboration represents a convergence of cutting-edge technology with advanced data management capabilities.

Erik Ekudden, CTO Ericsson, and John Saw, CTO at T-Mobile US (Video length – 7 minutes 40 seconds)

5G and Edge AI: Redefining a new era in connectivity

Join Erik Ekudden and John Saw, CTO at T-Mobile US, as they reveal key insights into the evolution of networks and the exciting future of 5G services. John highlights T-Mobile's commitment to building the best-performing 5G network and their innovative use of network slicing for diverse applications such as point-of-sale terminals and real-time mobile reporting at major sports events. Additionally, John discusses the potential for Edge AI from the telco edge, speaking about the dynamic partnership between Ericsson and T-Mobile. Together, they are at the forefront of pioneering innovation in the telecommunications industry, pushing the boundaries of 5G, AI, and network evolution to newer benchmarks.

Erik Ekudden, CTO, Ericsson and Randeep Sekhon, CTO at Bharti Airtel (Video length – 11 minutes 10 seconds)

How is India’s telecommunications landscape transforming with the shift to 5G?

Join Erik Ekudden and Randeep Sekhon, CTO at Bharti Airtel, as they discuss the rapid transition from 4G to 5G in India and the promising opportunities it presents for the telecom industry.

The conversation offers a deep-dive into the transformative impact of 5G technology; it is a reaffirmation of the robust partnership between Ericsson and Bharti Airtel as they drive forward India's telecommunications future with cutting-edge solutions and stellar network performance.

Erik Ekudden in conversation with Joe Russo, Verizon (Video length – 7 minutes 56 seconds)

How can you unleash the power of your 5G network?

Join Erik Ekudden and Joe Russo, EVP & President of Global Networks and Technology, Verizon, as they share their insights on the dynamic partnership between Verizon and Ericsson, aimed at transforming 5G monetization and integrating cutting-edge technologies for robust, reliable networks. Their strategic focus includes new technology like network slicing and fixed wireless access (FWA), which have spurred significant subscriber growth and enhanced user experiences. Joe will highlight the triumphs of FWA in providing customers with choice, reliability, and high performance. He will also explore the potential of AI, mobile edge computing, and edge infrastructure in unlocking new form factors and use cases. Together, Verizon and Ericsson are committed to enhancing network programmability and expanding capabilities to fully leverage ultra-wideband, high-throughput, low latency, and end-to-end experiences.

Erik Ekudden - CTO, Ericsson and Stephen Chau, CTO at SmarTone (Video length – 11 minutes)

How to build the best performing network

Join Erik Ekudden and Stephen Chau, CTO at SmarTone, as they delve into the potential of 5G as the optimal high-performance network for delivering mobile services to customers in Hong Kong. Their discussion encompasses the advantages of 5G-enabled Fixed Wireless Access, the flexibility 5G brings to small and medium enterprise use cases, and the utilization of network data to elevate the customer experience. Mr Chau also shares insights into how SmarTone has surmounted challenges in hard-to-reach areas and densely populated regions by providing extensive coverage, reinforcing their reputation for exceptional network performance in Hong Kong. In addition Mr Chau also shared their experience in how to enhance user experience by applying AI in network operation and maintenance. The conversation concludes with an exploration of 5G as an innovation platform, featuring ongoing trials that demonstrate its capacity to deliver Quality of Service On Demand, catering to the diverse needs of user groups, like gamers.

Erik Ekudden CTO Ericsson and Dr. Gerd Niehage, CTIO Swisscom (Video length – 11 minutes 25 seconds)

From the best to the smartest network

Join Erik Ekudden and Dr. Gerd Niehage, CTIO at Swisscom, as they delve into Swisscom's strategy. Swisscom is transitioning from having the best network to establishing the smartest network, recognizing that being the best is no longer enough. Swisscom is working towards creating The Smartest Network in partnership with Ericsson. As the company looks ahead, new priorities are emerging, including a focus on providing the best customer experience, promoting sustainability, achieving operational excellence, and driving innovation.

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Erik Ekudden and Juergen Mueller CTO and Member of the Executive Board of SAP (Video length – 14 minutes 30 seconds)

Enterprise digital transformation powered by 5G and AI

In this session Erik Ekudden and Juergen Mueller CTO and Member of the Executive Board of SAP discuss how enterprises across all sectors are undergoing a digital transformation and the role that 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) play as key enablers in the digitalization. They emphasize the importance of real-time data collection and processing for organizations aspiring to become data-driven enterprises. This highlights the increasing demand for high-performance 5G connectivity and 5G capabilities exposed through open network APIs (Application Programming Interface) to developers. Another focal point of their discussion revolves around how AI and Machine Learning plays a crucial role in automating processes, enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations and making data-driven decisions. Erik and Juergen highlight that partnerships are essential to unlock new digital business opportunities and together we are committed to support enterprises in their digital transformation journey.

Erik Ekudden and Vinod Lala, Chief Strategy Officer at Vonage (Video length – 5 minutes 29 seconds)

Focus Insights: Enterprise Digitalization

Ericsson’s CTO Erik Ekudden and Vinod Lala, Chief Strategy Officer at Vonage, further elaborate on the topic enterprise digitalization.

Vinod shares his insights on how 5G APIs and AI will support enterprises by enabling new interesting applications and use cases.

Erik Ekudden and Olivier Avaro, CEO of Blacknut (Video length – 23 minutes 27 seconds)

The future of gaming anywhere is 5G

In this session Ericsson’s CTO Erik Ekudden and Olivier Avaro, CEO of Blacknut discuss the future of mobile cloud gaming. To enhance application innovation the evolution of network developer interfaces through exposed and easy-to-use network functions are vital. Cloud gaming is a perfect case to demonstrate the potential of open network APIs, but is also relevant for other areas like productivity, communication, collaboration, and enhanced video. The APIs should be the same across different operators so they are simple to use for the developers and can be used at scale and not in limited geographies. They also need to be simple in terms of business model, and predictable from a costing perspective. This is where companies like Vonage (part of Ericsson) can truly support the ecosystem.

Erik Ekudden and Vinod Lala, Chief Strategy Officer at Vonage (Video length – 11 minutes 46 seconds)

A new age of innovation: 5G and APIs

In this session Ericsson’s CTO Erik Ekudden and Vinod Lala, Chief Strategy Officer at Vonage, discuss the expanding Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) market and their joint journey in this globally. New use cases offer business opportunities that will enhance consumer and enterprise experiences through innovative services. This means good news for operators to be able to monetize already invested network capabilities through service exposure (API´s) and for developers to expand their toolkit for innovation with more scale and reach.

Erik Ekudden, CTO Ericsson, and Christian Levin, President and CEO at Scania Group (Video length – 15 minutes 28 seconds)

5G for Sustainable Transportation

In this session, Erik Ekudden is joined by Christian Levin, President and CEO at Scania Group where they discuss sustainable transportation and their joint commitment on combating climate change with new technology. The criticality of connectivity for Scania’s industry, electrification and digitalization are also explored. The need for collaboration across transport, energy and telecommunications has never been greater.

Erik Ekudden, CTO Ericsson, and Lip-Bu Tan, Executive Chairman of Cadence Design Systems and Chairman of Walden International (Video length – 19 minutes 06 seconds)

Driving innovation with powerful silicon

In this session Erik Ekudden is joined by Lip-Bu Tan, Executive Chairman of Cadence Design Systems and Chairman of Walden International.

The conversation is focusing on the cutting-edge innovation area - purpose-built hardware. Custom-made optimized silicon is increasingly gaining momentum to provides significant competitive differentiation versus general purpose options and is a key component in meeting the requirements of high-performing, resilient and sustainable 5G systems.

Edge creates massive opportunities for telecom operators

Join Erik Ekudden and Randeep Sekhon, CTO of Bharti Airtel, as they discuss concrete use cases to start capturing edge opportunities, by looking at exposure of network capabilities to the broader ecosystem in one of the world’s largest markets.

The next generation network is a true game changer

Listen to NVIDIA, where SVP Telecom Ronnie Vasishta takes part in a session on how industries are set to benefit and how offloading device intelligence to the network will enable completely new immersive user experiences.

The use cases of the future are all about collaboration

Next, engage in the discussion between Bikash Koley, VP of Global Networking at Google Cloud, and Erik Ekudden, where they not only break down why 5G has made mobile networks the platform for innovation, but also how cloud providers can help communications service providers capture the enterprise opportunity.

Explore further

New world of possibilities

Limitless connectivity. Unlimited possibilities.

Connected EV charging

Introducing cellular IoT to electric vehicle charging stations

Spotlight on sustainable networks

Ericsson Technology Review Magazine 2022

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