Telenor and Ericsson have revealed a proof of concept for an agentic AI system created to optimise Radio Access Network (RAN) capacity while reducing power consumption.
Agentic AI refers to software that autonomously designs and executes its own workflows. With this form of “agency,” the system can make decisions, solve complex problems and interact with external environments beyond its initial training data.
Vegard Tingstad, Head of Mobile Access at Telenor Norway, said: “This is a genuinely exciting innovation for our industry. We trained AI agents on real-world data within a simulated environment using Telenor’s live RAN parameters.”
Simulated trials show a potential 4% reduction in energy usage for radio units, a notable gain on top of Telenor’s existing power-saving measures.
Rita Mokbel, Head of Global Customer Unit Telenor at Ericsson, commented: “The agentic AI system could transform network management by automating or augmenting manual processes, improving performance and lowering operational costs.”
The partnership covers more than energy efficiency: it includes RAN automation and optimisation, 5G positioning, private networks and explainable AI for mobile networks.
A central element is the use of rApps—RAN automation applications—running on the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform, Ericsson’s open network management and automation environment. The platform is supported by a range of Ericsson technologies, solutions and services intended to automate tasks, raise quality and simplify RAN operations.
Cathal Kennedy, Acting EVP and Group CTO of Telenor, explained: “The most valuable part of this collaboration is the ability to speed up our own innovations by tapping collective expertise and a wider partner ecosystem to bring successful ideas to market faster. rApps and Ericsson’s open management and automation platform are key enablers.”
Both companies are committed to advancing autonomous network capabilities and stimulating broader ecosystem innovation to maximise the effect of advanced technologies like AI on mobile networks.
“We intend to use our innovation partnership with Ericsson to co-create energy-efficient, trustworthy and resilient networks,” Kennedy added. “This work brings us closer to realizing Telenor’s AI-first telco vision.”
The collaboration aims to deliver several outcomes: unique AI research insights for telecom, testing and deployment of AI solutions in live test networks, and validation of use cases and business models that accelerate open innovation and support growth in AI-native telecom services.
Erik Ekudden, SVP and CTO of Ericsson, concluded: “Open ecosystem collaboration is essential for advancing network capabilities and achieving sustainable operations. Telenor’s engagement with the rApp Directory underscores our shared dedication to driving innovation and delivering meaningful societal impact.”
(Photo by Pietro Jeng)
See also: Ericsson and SoftBank expand AI-RAN collaboration
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