Verizon and Ericsson partner to transform AI-native Autonomous Networks

Verizon can use Ericsson's open platform to deploy its own network automation applications alongside Ericsson applications.

Rhea-AI Summary

Ericsson (ERIC) and Verizon (VZ) are expanding their network automation collaboration, with Verizon planning a nationwide Ericsson Intelligent Controller rollout in 2026.

The platform supports AI-based network automation applications from both companies. Field deployment of Ericsson's AAS Cell Shaper application delivered gains of up to 8.9% in downlink data radio bearer throughput and up to 8% in uplink user-equipment throughput. Verizon also implemented an automated handover method from LTE to standalone 5G for fixed wireless access devices, eliminating manual intervention on handover failures. Verizon plans to test and deploy additional applications developed internally and by Ericsson.

Positive

• Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Verizon plans a nationwide Ericsson Intelligent Controller rollout in 2026, expanding deployment of Ericsson's platform.

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Downlink throughput gain: up to 8.9% Uplink throughput gain: up to 8%

Downlink throughput gain

up to 8.9%

Field deployment; downlink data radio bearer throughput

Uplink throughput gain

up to 8%

Field deployment; uplink UE throughput

Key Terms

radio access network (ran), massive mimo, fixed wireless access

3 terms

radio access network (ran) technical

"radio access network (RAN) performance and efficiency"

A radio access network (RAN) is the collection of antennas, base stations and related equipment that connects mobile devices to the broader phone and internet network, acting like a bridge and traffic controller for wireless signals. It matters to investors because RAN design and upgrades determine how fast and reliably networks deliver services, influence a carrier’s costs and rollout speed for new technologies (like 5G), and shape which vendors or operators gain revenue and competitive advantage.

massive mimo technical

"AI cell shaping of Massive MIMO and traffic steering"

Massive MIMO is a wireless technology that uses large numbers of antennas at a cell site to send and receive many signals at once, boosting capacity and reliability like turning a single-lane road into a multi-lane highway for data. It matters to investors because it can dramatically increase network speed and efficiency, reduce per-user costs, and drive demand for equipment and services from telecom operators and suppliers.

fixed wireless access technical

"across mobility and Fixed Wireless Access"

Fixed wireless access is a way to deliver high-speed internet to homes and businesses using radio signals from nearby towers or rooftop equipment instead of running fiber or copper cables to each location. Think of it as getting broadband over a strong local Wi‑Fi signal broadcast from a neighborhood antenna. Investors watch it because it can speed customer growth and lower installation costs, but returns depend on coverage, equipment costs and access to usable radio frequencies.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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• Realizing RAN network autonomy by building on open and programmable interfaces
• AI-native rApps' collaboration redefining what is possible in radio access network (RAN) performance and efficiency
• Field deployment of fully autonomous, 24/7 closed-loop optimization rApps such as the Advanced Antenna System (AAS) Cell shaper provided gains of up to 8.9% on Downlink data radio bearer throughput and up to 8% on Uplink UE throughput.

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) are advancing the future of autonomous networks by working together to integrate AI into RAN automation. The latest stages in a long-running collaboration will see the nationwide rollout of the Ericsson Intelligent Controller (EIC), supporting the deployment of AI-native rApps from Ericsson and Verizon.

"Our expanded collaboration with Ericsson brings AI-native RAN automation that elevates performance across mobility and Fixed Wireless Access," says Matt Butz, Vice President Network Planning, Verizon. "Using the Ericsson Intelligent Controller, and Ericsson rApps, in a live environment, we demonstrated AI cell shaping of Massive MIMO and traffic steering with significant gains in throughput and efficiency. Verizon's ability to self-develop rApps on this open platform will help usher in a new level of automation as we prepare for 6G."

"We're proud to deepen our collaboration with Verizon to advance how AI transforms mobile networks," says Ravi Vaidyanathan, Vice President & Head of Cloud Software & Services, Customer Unit Verizon, Ericsson Americas. "Together, we're driving major gains in network performance and building a smarter, more efficient and autonomous network, unlocking better customer experiences and transforming operations."

The deployment also demonstrated the agility of an open, programmable network environment enabling Verizon to leverage the EIC as an open standards-based platform to deploy self-designed rApps. Verizon successfully implemented a Connected Mode Inter-Radio Access Technology Handover methodology from LTE to Standalone (SA) 5G for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) devices, eliminating the need for manual intervention on handover failures.

Verizon plans to roll out the EIC nationally this year. The company will also test and deploy new rApps, both self-designed and from Ericsson including the Cell Anomaly Detector rApp, Root Cause Explainer rApp and Anomaly General Optimizer rApp to improve network performance and enhance operational efficiencies. These rApps will accelerate Verizon's network autonomy journey towards L4.

The open standards-based EIC provides a key foundation for the future of programmable networks. The Ericsson Intelligent Controller is a key part of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), Ericsson's open network management and automation platform for open, multi-vendor and multi-technology networks, supporting all 4G and 5G Radio Access Networks (RAN) and Ericsson core networks. EIAP supports the industry's leading ecosystem of rApps, with its 100+ available rApps from over 100 members and touches the complete lifecycle of network automation.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Ericsson Intelligent Controller
About Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform
Ericsson AAS Cell Shaper rApp
Ericsson Cell Anomaly Detector rApp
Ericsson Anomaly Root-Cause Explainer rApp
Ericsson Anomaly General Optimizer rApp
Ericsson rApp Directory

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ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson's high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

Nathan Gibson, Director of Communications - Ericsson - 647-554-1423

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SOURCE Ericsson

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

When does Verizon plan to roll out the Ericsson Intelligent Controller nationwide?

Verizon plans to roll out the Ericsson Intelligent Controller nationally in 2026. The platform supports deployment of network automation applications developed by Verizon and Ericsson.