Ericsson was tapped to modernize and expand SoftBank’s core networks, as well as accelerate the Japanese giant’s 5G standalone (SA) adoption.

Expanding on a 5G SA deal from last summer, which centered around its radio access network (RAN) products, Ericsson is to provide SoftBank with its Core Networks’ portfolio, including a dual-mode 5G Core solution running on Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS).

SoftBank’s current Mobility Management Entity (MME) subscriber mobility functions and nationwide Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) will be migrated to the core. Portfolio tools such as Ericsson’s User Data Consolidation (UDC) solution will also be used in the modernization efforts, alongside policy control tools and cloud-based IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) offerings.

SoftBank framed the deal as gilding its 5G SA transition, paving the way for 5G-Advanced, while integrating existing 4G and 5G services for improved network scalability and reliability. The Japanese operator is also aiming to reduce both time-to-market for new services and network energy consumption, while also simplifying its current operational processes.

“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," SoftBank CTO Hideyuki Tsukuda said. "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.”

"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,” Jawad Mansour, president and representative director of Ericsson Japan, added. “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."

The deal is the latest chapter in the Ericsson-SoftBank relationship, following recent work between the pair on an AI-augmented base station system capable of dynamically optimizing coverage, part of a partnership between the pair on 6G and AI technologies.

Last May also saw Ericsson lay out plans to ramp investments in Japan with the creation of up to 300 telecoms jobs in the country.