Ericsson and AWS Collaborate to Develop AI-Driven Self-Healing Networks

Ericsson and AWS Collaborate to Develop AI-Driven Self-Healing Networks

In a significant advancement for the telecommunications sector, Ericsson's Cognitive Network Solutions has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of self-healing mobile networks. This collaboration is set to transform the management of complex communication systems that support everyday communications, including text messages and video calls.

Objectives of the Partnership

The primary goal of this partnership is to leverage AWS's advanced AI capabilities within Ericsson's existing Cognitive Network Solutions portfolio. The initiative aims to enhance network performance and service experience for customers while ensuring predictable costs and improved operational efficiency for telecom providers worldwide. The collaboration is a step towards achieving fully autonomous networks that can proactively identify and resolve issues, optimize resource allocation, and adapt to changing conditions with minimal human intervention.

AI Technologies in Focus

Central to this collaboration is the application of innovative AI technologies, particularly generative AI and agentic AI. Agentic AI is designed to interpret high-level intents, make informed decisions, and dynamically adjust network configurations based on real-time data. By combining Ericsson's telecommunications expertise with AWS's cloud computing and AI leadership, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous networks, which promise continuous self-optimization and intelligent, predictive operations.

Implications for Communication Service Providers

The implications of this partnership are significant for communication service providers (CSPs). The shift towards self-healing networks is expected to lead to substantial reductions in operational expenditures. Automating the management of large-scale networks can decrease downtime, which is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and preventing revenue loss. According to a TM Forum catalyst project, an AI-driven approach could potentially reduce downtime by up to 80% and operational costs by 50%.

Broader Trends in Telecommunications

This collaboration is part of a larger trend of integrating AI and cloud technologies into the telecommunications industry. AWS offers various services designed for telecom network automation, including the AWS Telco Network Builder, which simplifies the deployment and management of telecom networks in the cloud. By certifying Ericsson's Operations Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) on AWS, CSPs can benefit from globally validated deployments that can scale dynamically to meet real-time demand.

Conclusion

The alliance between Ericsson and AWS represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of telecommunications networks. By harnessing the power of AI, particularly agentic and generative AI, the two companies are setting the stage for the creation of self-healing networks that are more autonomous, reliable, and efficient. While challenges such as data security and integration with legacy systems remain, the potential benefits of enhanced network uptime and reduced operational burdens make the pursuit of self-healing networks a strategic priority for the industry.