Verizon and Ericsson are expanding their collaboration to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into radio access network (RAN) automation, with plans for a nationwide deployment of Ericsson's Intelligent Controller (EIC). The initiative will support the deployment of AI-native applications, known as rApps, by both companies.

The expanded collaboration builds on previous work involving AI-driven RAN optimization in a live network environment. According to the companies, demonstrations using the EIC and Ericsson rApps included AI-based cell shaping for Massive MIMO and traffic steering, with reported improvements in network throughput and operational efficiency.

Verizon also demonstrated the ability to develop and deploy its own rApps using the EIC's open, standards-based platform. One application involved implementing a Connected Mode Inter-Radio Access Technology (IRAT) handover methodology for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) devices transitioning from LTE to 5G Standalone (SA). The approach is designed to address handover failures without requiring manual intervention.

"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.

Butz noted that the companies' demonstrations included AI-based cell shaping and traffic steering, and said the open platform would enable Verizon to develop additional rApps as it prepares for 6G.

Ravi Vaidyanathan, Vice President and Head of Cloud Software & Services, Customer Unit Verizon, Ericsson Americas, said the collaboration is focused on improving network performance, operational efficiency, and customer experiences through AI-driven network automation.

Verizon plans to expand the EIC deployment nationally in 2026. The company also expects to test and deploy additional applications, including internally developed rApps and several Ericsson applications: Cell Anomaly Detector, Root Cause Explainer, and Anomaly General Optimizer. These applications are intended to support network performance monitoring, anomaly identification, and operational optimization.

The initiative is part of Verizon's longer-term network autonomy strategy, with the companies identifying Level 4 (L4) autonomy as a target.

The EIC is part of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), an open network management and automation platform designed to support multi-vendor and multi-technology environments. The platform supports 4G and 5G RAN, as well as Ericsson core networks.

According to Ericsson, its EIAP ecosystem includes more than 100 available rApps from over 100 members. The platform is designed to support multiple stages of the network automation lifecycle and provide operators with a programmable environment for deploying network automation applications.

Source: Ericsson

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