Ericsson, Far EasTone and OPPO: Is AI-Driven 5G SA Possible?

Ericsson, Far EasTone and OPPO have validated a 5G Standalone (SA) ecosystem delivering differentiated connectivity across networks, devices and applications. 

The collaboration combines programmable networks, application-level slicing via User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP) and on-device AI to ensure performance-based connectivity. The ecosystem will be demonstrated at Mobile World Congress 2026 at Ericsson’s booth.

The joint validation shows how 5G SA can transform telco services by guaranteeing performance under high network load while creating new business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) opportunities. 

CSPs can monetise network performance, developers can offer premium experiences and users enjoy consistent, high-quality connectivity.

Performance-based connectivity in extreme conditions

Consumer mobile services usually operate on a best-effort basis, which can degrade experiences during high traffic. 

Research from Ericsson ConsumerLab shows more than 40% of consumers identify moments when they would choose guaranteed network performance and roughly half are willing to pay for it.

The validation occurs at a 40,000-person concert at Taipei Dome on Far EasTone’s live 5G SA network. 

In this high-density environment, differentiated connectivity allows users to maintain reliable, performance-guaranteed experiences. Attendees stream live video, share on social media and engage in latency-sensitive interactions even at peak traffic.

Chee Ching, President of Far EasTone, says: “Far EasTone and Ericsson have been long-standing partners, working closely to continuously enhance the network experience for our users. 

“We are pleased to collaborate with OPPO to validate an innovative differentiated connectivity service in a large-scale concert environment by enabling customised 5G connectivity with lower latency and higher efficiency. We will continue to deliver more advanced and high-quality 5G services for Far EasTone users.”

On-device AI detects real-time degradation in in-app experiences and dynamically activates URSP-based application slicing. 

This works alongside radio resource policy through a layered API architecture, allowing telcos to offer new differentiated services and revenue streams.

David Chou, President of Ericsson Taiwan, says: “5G Standalone provides the foundation for differentiated connectivity at scale, enabling guaranteed performance through network slicing and standardised APIs. 

“Looking ahead, we are focused on helping CSPs fully unlock the potential of 5G SA, transforming network performance into commercial services that can be monetised with confidence and drive sustainable long-term growth.”

Ecosystem collaboration and scaling connectivity

The validation demonstrates how collaboration accelerates commercialisation of differentiated connectivity. 

In-app, on-demand connectivity upgrades create a scalable model for performance-based services, shortening time-to-market.

The ecosystem supports application-specific experience metrics for different usage patterns. 

From latency-sensitive gaming and high-resolution live streaming to real-time sharing at events, AI-driven performance upgrades let users access high-quality connectivity exactly when needed.

Vincent Liu, CEO of OPPO Taiwan AED, says: “This pioneering ecosystem collaboration fully demonstrates the strength of OPPO’s leading AI LinkBoost@5G+ that delivers the differentiated application experience. 

“OPPO is committed to advancing communications through continuous innovation. We are proud to be part of this collaboration, where AI enables real-time, on-demand in-app performance enhancements to deliver a better user experience when it matters most.”

By uniting networks, devices and applications, Ericsson, Far EasTone and OPPO show technology readiness and commercial potential for differentiated 5G SA connectivity. CSPs can monetise performance tiers, device makers unlock capabilities and users gain consistently enhanced experiences tailored to context and applications.