Ericsson and Google Cloud have announced a collaborative effort to introduce a groundbreaking on-demand core network service. The duo aims to empower communication service providers with the ability to extend 5G networks and deploy new services more efficiently.
This service functions as a software-as-a-service model, managed by Ericsson with artificial intelligence assistance. It promises scalability, rapid deployment, and a pay-as-you-go pricing structure, which facilitates private network implementations and accelerated Fixed Wireless Access services deployment. This approach offers the flexibility to test new services and markets seamlessly.
Built jointly, the Ericsson On-Demand Core service operates on a genuine SaaS platform, utilizing both AI infrastructure and the Google Kubernetes Engine. It is steered by Ericsson’s Site Reliability Engineering teams, supported by AI for task troubleshooting and lifecycle automation. This collaboration provides communication service providers with enhanced agility, rapid service setup, and reduced operational costs. “You’re basically deploying 5G in a pay-as-you-go model, and in a pay-as-you-grow model. It’ll scale with you,” said Angelo Libertucci, who is the global head of industry for telecom at Google Cloud.
It’s no secret that service providers face escalating pressures to handle operational complexities and innovate faster. The platform streamlines the full deployment of core networks in mere minutes. It dynamically scales in response to demand, eliminating the need for upfront capital expenditures or over-provisioning. This consumption-based billing model eliminates infrastructure and licensing fees.
Initially, the service is designed for smaller operations to complement existing services with a SaaS-based 5G core. The service will tap into Google Cloud’s extensive global reach, ensuring network capacity is strategically available.
However, despite Google Cloud’s extensive reach in 42 cloud regions worldwide, not all will immediately support this service. Providers must adhere to data sovereignty rules, using cloud-native firewalls and geo-restrictions based on identity and access management policies for enhanced security.
Eric Parsons, VP head of emerging segments at Ericsson, emphasizes the innovation behind this on-demand service, stating, “Today’s CTOs must move fast, scale smart, and lead their organizations into new commercial territory. On-Demand removes the risk and complexity holding them back.”