Ericsson has signed a multi-year framework agreement with SoftBank to deploy next-generation core network solutions aimed at expanding and modernizing SoftBank’s infrastructure while accelerating the adoption of 5G Standalone (SA) in Japan. The partnership marks a significant step in advancing cloud-native telecom networks and enabling AI-driven operations.
SoftBank will leverage Ericsson’s Core Networks portfolio, including its dual-mode 5G Core solution running on the Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). The deployment integrates key capabilities such as subscriber data management through User Data Consolidation (UDC), policy control systems, and cloud-based IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solutions. SoftBank aims to manage both 4G and 5G services seamlessly while transitioning toward a fully standalone 5G architecture.
The modernization initiative is designed to enhance network scalability, flexibility, and reliability. By migrating existing mobility management functions, including MME and AMF, to a cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core, SoftBank will achieve software-driven control across legacy and next-generation access technologies. Voice gateway systems and policy control frameworks will also be upgraded to cloud-native configurations, ensuring improved resilience and performance.
A key component of the agreement is the expansion of subscriber data management capabilities. Ericsson’s UDC solution will be deployed on CNIS to strengthen data handling and meet growing service demands. This includes advanced layers such as Ericsson Dynamic Activation (EDA), Cloud Core Data Storage Manager (CCDM), and Cloud Core Subscription Manager (CCSM), ensuring efficient and unified data management across 4G and 5G environments.
In addition, SoftBank’s IMS infrastructure will be modernized to Ericsson Cloud IMS, enabling enhanced voice and multimedia service quality while supporting faster rollout of new services. The cloud-native transformation will also enable advanced orchestration and automation, simplifying operations, reducing operational expenditure, and improving energy efficiency through optimized scaling and hardware utilization.
Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO of SoftBank, emphasized that Ericsson’s cloud-native and automation technologies are critical to achieving the company’s vision of integrating AI with network operations. The upgraded core network will significantly improve operational autonomy and efficiency while accelerating the transition to 5G SA.
Jawad Mansour, President and Representative Director of Ericsson Japan, highlighted SoftBank’s leadership in combining AI and telecommunications, stating that Ericsson’s solutions will support improved network performance, operational efficiency, and automation at scale.
This agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Ericsson and SoftBank, which spans both core and radio access network technologies. By building a robust, flexible, and cloud-native infrastructure, SoftBank is positioning itself to unlock new 5G Advanced use cases and deliver innovative digital services powered by AI, cloud, and next-generation connectivity.
SHAFANA FAZAL
