Japan's 5G Future: Ericsson Powers SoftBank's Core Network Transformation
March 27, 2026, 3:39 pm
Ericsson secures a pivotal multi-year agreement with SoftBank in Japan. The deal modernizes SoftBank's core network infrastructure. It significantly accelerates 5G Standalone (SA) adoption. Cloud-native solutions are central to this transformation. Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core and Cloud IMS will enhance network performance. SoftBank anticipates superior scalability, reliability, and integrated AI capabilities. The partnership promises streamlined operations, reduced costs, and faster service deployment. It solidifies SoftBank's foundation for 5G Advanced use cases. This strategic move aims to cut energy consumption and drive ongoing innovation. Japan's digital landscape will see substantial advancement through this collaboration, boosting mobile technology leadership.
Ericsson and SoftBank Corp. announce a landmark agreement. This multi-year deal reshapes Japan's telecommunications future. SoftBank’s core network infrastructure will undergo a radical modernization. This move accelerates the rollout of 5G Standalone (SA) technology across the nation.
The partnership leverages Ericsson’s advanced cloud-native solutions. These technologies are crucial for next-generation network capabilities. Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core solution forms the backbone. It runs on Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). This powerful combination ushers in a new era of connectivity.
SoftBank's existing 4G and 5G services will integrate seamlessly. The modernization improves overall network scalability. It boosts reliability for millions of users. This enhanced infrastructure supports future 5G Advanced applications. It also facilitates AI-driven operations throughout the network.
Network modernization is a primary focus. Existing subscriber mobility functions will transition. Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) migrate. They move to the cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core on CNIS. This enables flexible, software-based control. It spans both legacy and cutting-edge access technologies.
Voice gateway and policy control capabilities also see upgrades. They convert to cloud-native configurations. These include Policy and Charging Control (PCC), Policy Control Gateway (PCG), and Cloud Core Policy Controller (CCPC). The result: scalable voice domains and robust policy frameworks. This ensures superior call quality and efficient service management.
Network expansion is another critical component. Data management capabilities receive a significant boost. Ericsson's User Data Consolidation (UDC) solution deploys on CNIS. This cloud-native system strengthens subscriber data management. It meets escalating demands for services and capacity.
The UDC deployment is comprehensive. It features a data provisioning layer via Ericsson Dynamic Activation (EDA). A data storage layer comes from Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager (CCDM). The subscription management layer is handled by Cloud Core Subscription Manager (CCSM). This integrated approach ensures consistent subscriber data across 4G and 5G networks.
IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solutions also face modernization. SoftBank’s current IMS systems transform into Ericsson Cloud IMS. This upgrade significantly enhances voice and multimedia service quality. It also speeds up the rollout of new, innovative services. Customers will experience faster access to advanced communication features.
These technological enhancements bring tangible benefits. SoftBank will shorten its time-to-market for new services. Complex operational processes become simpler. Automation on the cloud infrastructure drives this efficiency. It leads to substantial reductions in operational expenditure (OPEX).
The agreement targets capital expenditure (CAPEX) reductions too. Advanced orchestration streamlines network management. Efficient scaling optimizes resource allocation. Hardware modernization contributes to lower costs. These measures ensure long-term financial health for SoftBank.
Sustainability is a key consideration. The partnership aims for reduced network energy consumption. Efficient scaling and hardware upgrades contribute to this goal. This aligns with global efforts towards greener technology. It demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The "fusion of AI and networks" is a SoftBank priority. Ericsson's advanced cloud-native technologies provide the foundation. Automation solutions are equally vital. They help achieve increased autonomy in network operations. Efficiency significantly heightens across the infrastructure.
SoftBank will build a more robust and flexible next-generation infrastructure. This platform allows continuous innovation. It provides new value to customers. The company maintains its leadership in the competitive telecom industry. This strategic renewal positions SoftBank for sustained growth.
Ericsson serves as a trusted partner. The company supports SoftBank in building an innovation platform. This platform leverages AI, cloud, and network capabilities. It creates new business value for SoftBank and its subscribers. The collaboration extends a long-standing relationship.
Ericsson has been a SoftBank supplier for years. This partnership spans core network and radio access network solutions. It includes both hardware and software products. This continuity underscores mutual trust and successful past collaborations.
The agreement signifies a major step for Japan's digital transformation. Reliable, high-speed connectivity is essential for modern economies. This core network upgrade ensures Japan remains at the forefront of mobile technology. It supports societal challenges with advanced digital solutions.
Enterprises and consumers will benefit from enhanced 5G SA capabilities. Applications demanding ultra-low latency and high bandwidth will thrive. This includes advanced manufacturing, smart cities, and immersive entertainment. The robust network infrastructure supports these demanding use cases.
Automation is not just about cost savings. It is about enhancing network intelligence. Real-time resource optimization becomes possible. This ensures network stability even under peak loads. Proactive issue resolution reduces downtime.
The deployment of a full cloud-native subscriber data management capability is crucial. It supports the dynamic needs of a growing 5G subscriber base. Consistent data across diverse network functions is vital. This capability improves service delivery and customer experience.
SoftBank's push towards 5G Advanced and 6G technologies gains momentum. This modernized core network is a prerequisite. It provides the necessary flexibility and computational power. Future innovations in areas like XR (Extended Reality) will rely on this infrastructure.
This collaboration is a testament to Ericsson's global expertise. It highlights its commitment to advancing telecommunications technology. SoftBank's proactive approach solidifies its market position. Together, they shape the future of mobile connectivity in Japan. The agreement sets a benchmark for other global operators. It demonstrates the critical role of core network modernization in the 5G era.
Ericsson and SoftBank Corp. announce a landmark agreement. This multi-year deal reshapes Japan's telecommunications future. SoftBank’s core network infrastructure will undergo a radical modernization. This move accelerates the rollout of 5G Standalone (SA) technology across the nation.
The partnership leverages Ericsson’s advanced cloud-native solutions. These technologies are crucial for next-generation network capabilities. Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core solution forms the backbone. It runs on Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). This powerful combination ushers in a new era of connectivity.
SoftBank's existing 4G and 5G services will integrate seamlessly. The modernization improves overall network scalability. It boosts reliability for millions of users. This enhanced infrastructure supports future 5G Advanced applications. It also facilitates AI-driven operations throughout the network.
Network modernization is a primary focus. Existing subscriber mobility functions will transition. Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) migrate. They move to the cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core on CNIS. This enables flexible, software-based control. It spans both legacy and cutting-edge access technologies.
Voice gateway and policy control capabilities also see upgrades. They convert to cloud-native configurations. These include Policy and Charging Control (PCC), Policy Control Gateway (PCG), and Cloud Core Policy Controller (CCPC). The result: scalable voice domains and robust policy frameworks. This ensures superior call quality and efficient service management.
Network expansion is another critical component. Data management capabilities receive a significant boost. Ericsson's User Data Consolidation (UDC) solution deploys on CNIS. This cloud-native system strengthens subscriber data management. It meets escalating demands for services and capacity.
The UDC deployment is comprehensive. It features a data provisioning layer via Ericsson Dynamic Activation (EDA). A data storage layer comes from Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager (CCDM). The subscription management layer is handled by Cloud Core Subscription Manager (CCSM). This integrated approach ensures consistent subscriber data across 4G and 5G networks.
IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solutions also face modernization. SoftBank’s current IMS systems transform into Ericsson Cloud IMS. This upgrade significantly enhances voice and multimedia service quality. It also speeds up the rollout of new, innovative services. Customers will experience faster access to advanced communication features.
These technological enhancements bring tangible benefits. SoftBank will shorten its time-to-market for new services. Complex operational processes become simpler. Automation on the cloud infrastructure drives this efficiency. It leads to substantial reductions in operational expenditure (OPEX).
The agreement targets capital expenditure (CAPEX) reductions too. Advanced orchestration streamlines network management. Efficient scaling optimizes resource allocation. Hardware modernization contributes to lower costs. These measures ensure long-term financial health for SoftBank.
Sustainability is a key consideration. The partnership aims for reduced network energy consumption. Efficient scaling and hardware upgrades contribute to this goal. This aligns with global efforts towards greener technology. It demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The "fusion of AI and networks" is a SoftBank priority. Ericsson's advanced cloud-native technologies provide the foundation. Automation solutions are equally vital. They help achieve increased autonomy in network operations. Efficiency significantly heightens across the infrastructure.
SoftBank will build a more robust and flexible next-generation infrastructure. This platform allows continuous innovation. It provides new value to customers. The company maintains its leadership in the competitive telecom industry. This strategic renewal positions SoftBank for sustained growth.
Ericsson serves as a trusted partner. The company supports SoftBank in building an innovation platform. This platform leverages AI, cloud, and network capabilities. It creates new business value for SoftBank and its subscribers. The collaboration extends a long-standing relationship.
Ericsson has been a SoftBank supplier for years. This partnership spans core network and radio access network solutions. It includes both hardware and software products. This continuity underscores mutual trust and successful past collaborations.
The agreement signifies a major step for Japan's digital transformation. Reliable, high-speed connectivity is essential for modern economies. This core network upgrade ensures Japan remains at the forefront of mobile technology. It supports societal challenges with advanced digital solutions.
Enterprises and consumers will benefit from enhanced 5G SA capabilities. Applications demanding ultra-low latency and high bandwidth will thrive. This includes advanced manufacturing, smart cities, and immersive entertainment. The robust network infrastructure supports these demanding use cases.
Automation is not just about cost savings. It is about enhancing network intelligence. Real-time resource optimization becomes possible. This ensures network stability even under peak loads. Proactive issue resolution reduces downtime.
The deployment of a full cloud-native subscriber data management capability is crucial. It supports the dynamic needs of a growing 5G subscriber base. Consistent data across diverse network functions is vital. This capability improves service delivery and customer experience.
SoftBank's push towards 5G Advanced and 6G technologies gains momentum. This modernized core network is a prerequisite. It provides the necessary flexibility and computational power. Future innovations in areas like XR (Extended Reality) will rely on this infrastructure.
This collaboration is a testament to Ericsson's global expertise. It highlights its commitment to advancing telecommunications technology. SoftBank's proactive approach solidifies its market position. Together, they shape the future of mobile connectivity in Japan. The agreement sets a benchmark for other global operators. It demonstrates the critical role of core network modernization in the 5G era.