Ericsson to expand and modernize SoftBank Corp.'s core network in Japan
Ericsson to expand and modernize SoftBank Corp.'s core network in Japan |
| [26-March-2026] |
STOCKHOLM, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has signed a multi-year framework agreement with SoftBank Corp. (SoftBank) in Japan to deploy next-generation core network solutions to expand and modernize SoftBank's core network infrastructure and accelerate 5G Standalone (SA) adoption. The agreement will tap the full scope of Ericsson's Core Networks' portfolio, including the Ericsson dual-mode 5G Core solution running on Ericsson's Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). The deployment will include subscriber data management through Ericsson's User Data Consolidation (UDC) solution, policy control, and cloud-based IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solutions. These solutions will enable SoftBank to accelerate its transition to 5G SA while managing existing 4G and 5G services in an integrated manner, improving overall network scalability and reliability. The agreement will also strengthen SoftBank's foundation for 5G Advanced use cases and AI-driven operations across the network. Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO, SoftBank Corp., says: "Ericsson's advanced cloud-native technologies and automation solutions are an extremely important foundation for achieving the 'fusion of AI and networks' that we are promoting. Through this renewal of our core network, it becomes possible to significantly heighten the autonomy and efficiency of network operations, in addition to accelerating the transition to 5G SA. SoftBank will build a robust and flexible next-generation infrastructure, continuing to provide new value to customers while driving innovation in the telecom industry." Jawad Mansour, President and Representative Director of Ericsson Japan, says: "We are very pleased that SoftBank, an industry frontrunner in merging AI with telecommunications, has selected our core network and IMS solutions to underpin its further evolution. By combining our technology with global experience, we will support SoftBank's objectives to enhance network performance, improve operational efficiency, and advance the adoption of all forms of automation - contributing to digital transformation that helps address societal challenges in Japan." Agreement scope:
These capabilities will help SoftBank to shorten time-to-market for new services. Orchestration and automation on cloud infrastructure will simplify operational processes and reduce OPEX. In addition, advanced orchestration, efficient scaling, and hardware modernization are expected to help reduce overall network energy consumption. Ericsson will continue to support SoftBank as a trusted partner in building an innovation platform to create new business value by utilizing AI, cloud, and network capabilities. Ericsson's long partnership as a trusted SoftBank supplier spans both core network and radio access network hardware and software products and solutions. Related links: Ericsson expands 4G and 5G network equipment partnership with SoftBank Corp. NOTES TO EDITORS: Subscribe to Ericsson press releases MORE INFORMATION AT: ABOUT ERICSSON: Ericsson's high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com The following files are available for download:
SOURCE Ericsson | ||||||
Company Codes: Bloomberg:ERICB@SS,ISIN:SE0000108656,NASDAQ:ERIC,RICS:ERICb.ST,Stockholm:ERIC-B |












