INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology

Ericsson has unveiled a substantial € 200 million investment in its Athlone facility in central Ireland over the next three years.

The project will focus on advancing the development of crucial capabilities for managing open and programmable networks. These are vital for enabling communication service providers( CSPs) to streamline their operations and expedite the global rollout and monetisation of 5G Standalone( SA) connectivity through differentiated services.

A key area of focus for this investment will be the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform( EIAP) and network-powered rApps( applications designed to automate the management and optimisation of radio access networks).

The EIAP serves as Ericsson’ s open network management and automation platform. It supports multi-vendor and multi-technology 4G and 5G Radio Access Networks( RAN), providing an open ecosystem for the development and deployment of rApps from various vendors and radio technologies. The open framework encourages collaboration within a growing partner network to boost the pace of innovation within the RAN domain.

The € 200 million injection will target the integration of next-generation open network management and automation capabilities leveraging AI, Machine Learning( ML) and sophisticated analytics to enhance network performance, expedite innovation cycles and achieve cost reductions through autonomous network operations.

Ireland’ s Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Peter Burke, TD, said:“ Ericsson’ s EUR 200 million announcement at their Athlone facility is fantastic news. Their innovative R & D project, which will span a duration of three years, will improve efficiency in 5G networks globally. Ericsson have been established in Ireland for decades, with the Athlone facility a significant employer and an integral part of the fabric of the community for over 50 years.”

The relationship between Ericsson and IDA Ireland is a wellestablished one, dating back to the IDA’ s provision of the current Athlone building when Ericsson first established its presence in the town in 1974. Supported by both the Irish Government and IDA Ireland, the Athlone facility serves as a nexus for top global talent and pioneering technology, driving advancements in network management that benefit Ericsson’ s extensive global customer base.

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA, said:“ Ericsson’ s ambitious programme is strongly aligned with the key growth drivers of IDA Ireland’ s new strategy – Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustained Growth and Innovation. The investment strengthens the long-term legacy of Ericsson in Ireland, building on the success of past investments spanning more than 60 years. This RD & I project embodies cuttingedge innovation, exemplifies IDA’ s continued commitment to balanced regional development.”

L – R: IDA Ireland, CEO, Michael Lohan; Ericsson President and CEO, Börje Ekholm; Ireland’ s Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Peter Burke, TD; Head of BA Cloud Software and Services, Ericsson, Jenny Lindqvist; Head of Ericsson Athlone, Denis Dullea

Denis Dullea, Head of Ericsson’ s Athlone site and Network Management Engineering Unit, added:“ By delivering on this cuttingedge project, we’ re both investing in Ireland’ s future and empowering mobile operators worldwide.” p

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