Telstra and Ericsson launch Asia-Pacific’s first programmable 5G network

Telstra, one of Australia’s leading telecommunications providers, is set to revolutionize mobile connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region by deploying one of the most advanced and programmable 5G networks. The initiative is made possible through a strategic four-year partnership with Ericsson, a global leader in telecommunications technology. This collaboration will position Telstra as the first operator in the region to implement high-performance 5G Advanced capabilities, offering cutting-edge connectivity solutions to its customers.

As part of the agreement, Telstra will upgrade its radio access network (RAN) with Ericsson’s state-of-the-art Open RAN-ready hardware and 5G Advanced software. The network transformation will also integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, enabling self-detection and self-healing capabilities to optimize performance and reliability. This means that Telstra’s network will be more resilient and adaptable, ensuring seamless connectivity even in demanding conditions.

With these advancements, Telstra will provide a highly programmable network, allowing businesses and developers to create and deploy innovative applications tailored to specific needs. The company aims to move away from a generic connectivity model to a more sophisticated approach, offering enhanced performance-based services. These improvements will cater to various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities, helping drive digital transformation in Australia.

A major highlight of Telstra’s 5G evolution is the introduction of network APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), which will allow external technology developers and businesses to interact with and customize network capabilities. This move aligns with the objectives of Aduna, a global initiative focused on unlocking new revenue opportunities for telecom operators through API-driven services. Ericsson and Telstra are founding members of this venture, and Telstra’s new 5G Advanced network will play a key role in bringing API-based innovations to market.

By leveraging network APIs, developers and enterprises can create highly customized applications that utilize Telstra’s 5G infrastructure. This approach will accelerate the adoption of new digital services, from real-time remote monitoring in industries to immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences.

Telstra’s investment in 5G Advanced capabilities is expected to be a game-changer for Australia’s push toward Industry 4.0, a new era of automation and smart technologies. The high-performing 5G Standalone (5G SA) solutions introduced in this transformation will enable new use cases that require ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity, such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and mission-critical communications.

Telstra CEO Vicki Brady emphasized that customer demands for technology and connectivity are evolving, requiring a more dynamic approach to network infrastructure. She highlighted that mobile data consumption on Telstra’s network has tripled over the past five years, reinforcing the need for enhanced network efficiency and spectrum utilization. With the ability to fine-tune connectivity solutions for different user requirements, Telstra aims to offer a more tailored and reliable experience to millions of customers across Australia.

Ericsson’s President and CEO, Börje Ekholm, expressed confidence in the partnership, noting that high-performing programmable networks will be essential for the digitalization of enterprises and national economies. He highlighted that Telstra’s adoption of Ericsson’s 5G Standalone solutions would enable faster, more secure, and differentiated connectivity, empowering both consumers and businesses.

As Telstra continues to invest in next-generation networking, it is paving the way for a more connected, intelligent, and efficient digital future. The transformation of its 5G infrastructure is expected to set new standards in mobile connectivity, ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.