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 data radio bearer throughput gain: up to 8.9% Uplink UE throughput gain: up to 8%

Downlink data radio bearer throughput gain

up to 8.9%

Field deployment of AAS Cell Shaper rApp

Uplink UE throughput gain

up to 8%

Field deployment of AAS Cell Shaper rApp

Key Terms

ran, massive mimo, standalone (sa) 5g, fixed wireless access (fwa)

4 terms

ran technical

"radio access network (RAN) performance and efficiency"

"Ran" is the past tense of "run," which in finance often describes the period during which a stock, market, or investment performs strongly and steadily increases in value. When an investment "ran," it means it experienced a notable upward movement, gaining attention from investors. This term helps convey how well an asset has performed over a certain time, highlighting periods of growth or success.

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.

standalone (sa) 5g technical

"from LTE to Standalone (SA) 5G for Fixed Wireless Access"

A 5G Standalone (SA) network is a deployment of 5G that uses a native 5G core network together with 5G radio access, operating independently of a 4G/LTE core. Because both the radio and the core are designed for 5G, SA supports end-to-end 5G capabilities such as network slicing, ultra-low latency, and more flexible device-to-network signaling; it requires operators to build or activate a 5G core and often dedicated spectrum rather than relying on existing 4G infrastructure.

fixed wireless access (fwa) technical

"5G for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) devices"

Fixed wireless access (FWA) delivers high-speed internet to a specific home or business using radio signals from a nearby wireless tower or antenna rather than laying fiber or cable to each location. For investors, FWA matters because it can cut infrastructure costs and speed up service launches, expanding a provider’s customer reach and revenue potential while exposing the business to competition for limited spectrum and local regulatory rules — like choosing a wireless bridge instead of digging a road.

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

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

• 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

FOLLOW US:

Subscribe to Ericsson press releases here
Subscribe to Ericsson blog posts here
https://x.com/ericsson
https://www.facebook.com/ericsson
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ericsson

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verizon-and-ericsson-partner-to-transform-ai-native-autonomous-networks-302927310.html

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.