Ericsson and KDDI succeed in AI uplink optimization field trial, advancing toward Autonomous Networks Level 4

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and KDDI have successfully completed a large scale field trial of Ericsson’s AI driven Uplink Interference Optimizer (UIO) rApp, running on the Ericsson Intelligent Automation platform (EIAP), demonstrating predictable uplink performance gains across both 4G and 5G live networks while confirming readiness for higher levels of network autonomy.

The trial, conducted in Q1 2026, covered a multi-technology, multi-band cluster of approximately 1,500 5G, and 1,300 4G, cells, validating that AI-based uplink interference management can deliver scalable improvements under real world traffic conditions. The UIO rApp selectively optimized the cells carrying the majority of network traffic, delivering tangible uplink improvements without compromising network stability. Key performance outcomes included:

• Clear throughput gains in both 4G (9.6 percent average improvement) and 5G (3.1 percent average improvement) resulting in better end-user experience
• Results showed a 27% improvement in 5G Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR)
• Higher uplink modulation efficiency and spectral efficiency across 4G and 5G technologies

The field trial in Japan with KDDI marked the first time globally the AI-driven UIO rApp was deployed in a live network environment, and also marks the first time in Japan the EIAP platform was used in a live environment. The UIO rApp has been assessed as enabling Level 3.86 autonomy for uplink optimization, using an adaptation of the TM Forum’s ANLET methodology. This highlights the role the application, and AI driven uplink optimization as a high value and achievable use case, can play in a Communication Service Provider’s path to Level 4 network autonomy and further.

Jean-Christophe Laneri, Head of Cognitive Network Solutions at Ericsson says: “The successful field trial with KDDI confirmed the readiness of the UIO rApp, running on the EIAP, for a key role in achieving Autonomous Networks Level 4 (AN L4) live operation. This solution introduces advanced, robust automated optimization within mobile networks, greatly improving subscriber experience. The UIO rApp is now generally available for the global market, with additional AI‑driven rApps to follow as part of Ericsson’s expanding rApp portfolio.”

Hiroaki Ando, President and Representative Director, Ericsson Japan says: “Highly reliable, low‑latency uplink performance is a critical foundation for Physical AI use cases, which Japan has identified as a priority area in its semiconductor and digital industry strategy. Ericsson remains committed to continuing our close collaboration with KDDI and to contributing to the advancement of Japanese society and industry.”

A key outcome of the trial was the successful integration of a third‑party rApp, validating EIAP compliance with the R1 standard and support for both Ericsson and non‑Ericsson rApps. In addition to Ericsson’s Uplink Interference Optimizer, KDDI also tested the FYRA Suite rApp, a third-party rApp developed in Japan, in this field trial. The combination of Ericsson rApps and the rApp from a third-party highlights how open rApp platforms and the EIAP developer portal can enable an innovation ecosystem where Japanese companies develop locally and scale globally. This reinforces KDDI’s commitment to an open, interoperable O‑RAN‑aligned RAN ecosystem.

The Ericsson Uplink Interference Optimizer rApp reached General Availability (GA) status during the activity, marking readiness for wider deployment. 

RELATED LINKS:

Ericsson Uplink Interference Optimizer rApp

Assessing the impact of cognitive rApps in achieving autonomous networks Level 4

Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform