Ericsson Expands 5G Partnership with SoftBank Japan
Ericsson has deepened its strategic collaboration with Japan's telecommunications leader, SoftBank Corp., through a new commercial agreement focused on delivering cutting-edge 4G and 5G network equipment.
The partnership reinforces Ericsson's role as a key technology provider, selected to support SoftBank's enhancement of mobile networks across multiple regions in Japan, including Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Hokuriku, Tokai and parts of the Kansai region.
Driving network performance across frequency bands
Under the agreement, Ericsson will supply SoftBank with advanced products from its flagship Ericsson Radio System. It includes support for low, mid and high-band frequencies, critical for balanced and resilient network performance.
The comprehensive equipment suite will include the lightweight and easy-to-install Massive MIMO AIR 3255, which boasts a reduction in energy consumption of up to 35% compared to its predecessors.
Additionally, SoftBank will deploy the AIR 6476, a high-capacity, ultra-wideband solution engineered for energy efficiency and peak network throughput.
Ericsson's commitment extends beyond hardware. The collaboration introduces next-generation RAN Compute basebandsâhardware optimised for real-time AI execution.
Powered by Ericsson Silicon and its proprietary Many-Core Architecture (EMCA), these systems bring enhanced data storage, accelerated parallel processing and more efficient AI-driven capabilities directly into the baseband layer.
AI at the core of network intelligence
As part of its long-term growth strategy, SoftBank is integrating AI into its network operations. Ericsson's AI-optimised RAN solutions play a critical role in the transformation by improving user experience, expanding coverage and enhancing mobility and spectral efficiency.
The RAN Compute solutions will contribute significantly to reducing energy usage while enabling sophisticated network automation.
Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO at SoftBank Corp., remarked: "SoftBank will promote network enhancement with a focus on 5G Standalone deployment and AI utilisation, delivering an outstanding user experience for both enterprise and consumer customers in Japan.
"We are confident that adopting Ericsson's advanced radio technology will further accelerate the enhancement of our network's quality and operational efficiency with AI."
Supporting Japan's digital ambitions
SoftBank's approach to growth is guided by its "Beyond Carrier" strategy, which combines expansion into non-telecom sectors by continuously developing its core telecommunications infrastructure.
From building AI data centres and developing Japanese-language large language models (LLMs) to deploying non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and stratospheric platforms like HAPS, SoftBank's ambitions position it as a pioneer in next-generation social infrastructure.
The strengthened partnership with Ericsson aligns with these objectives, helping SoftBank realise its digital transformation goals while contributing to Japan's broader digital economy roadmap.
Chafic Nassif, Head of Market Area North East Asia at Ericsson, stated: "SoftBank has been at the forefront of connectivity engagement through every generation of mobility.
"As digitalisation ramps up, Ericsson will work closely with SoftBank in our strengthened partnership to help drive its digital leadership ambitions through improved end-user experiences, AI and automation.
"This will also support SoftBank's role in helping Japan to achieve its wider digital economy aims as a nation."
Through the expanded agreement, Ericsson remains a cornerstone in SoftBank's push for 5G Standalone network coverage and advanced AI-RAN integration, further empowering enterprise and consumer users across Japan.
