Ericsson is using artificial intelligence to revolutionise network operations in the Middle East and Africa, while eyeing substantial growth opportunities across the region, according to Patrick Johansson, the company’s President of Middle East and Africa.
Speaking to Arabian Business at GITEX 2024, Johansson revealed that Ericsson has implemented cognitive software utilising AI for intent-based operations, enabling automatic network optimization and congestion management.
“We have the cognitive software where we use AI today to help do intent-based operations, which means that the system automatically can help you to improve challenges that you have in the network,” Johansson explained. “These are AI algorithms working in practice in the network today as part of how to make things more efficient.”
The company’s focus on practical applications of emerging technologies extends beyond AI. In collaboration with UAE telecom operator e&, Ericsson recently completed a successful 5G RedCap test, which Johansson describes as a significant milestone in expanding 5G capabilities.
“5G is really a true innovation platform, and if you have the right capabilities, whether that is high speed, low latency and so forth, business cases and use cases are built to be built on this innovation platform,” he said.
On the sustainability front, Ericsson has implemented a circular economy approach to reduce its environmental impact.
“With every generation that we put out, we have about 20-25 percent better energy efficiency on the radio side,” Johansson noted. “We have a program where we actually bring everything back when we replace equipment and make sure that we recycle it and reuse the materials as much as possible.”
The company’s sustainability initiatives are particularly significant given the ICT industry’s environmental impact.
“The ICT industry represents roughly 1.5 percent of the overall emissions. But through innovations like this, we actually impact about 15 percent overall of the emissions,” Johansson explained.
Looking ahead, Johansson predicts substantial growth in Africa, where the company expects to see “50 percent growth on an annual basis in the coming years.” Meanwhile, in the more developed Middle East market, Ericsson is focusing on advancing 5G capabilities and preparing for future 6G deployments.
“In the Middle East, where we are really in the center of development, we will now move into 5G advanced to provide even better connectivity and performance,” he said. “And then in the outer years, we start to see 6G deployments as well, which will make this innovation platform even greater.”
The company’s presence at GITEX 2024 showcases these technological advancements and highlights their commitment to collaborative innovation.
“It’s truly amazing to see everyone coming together,” Johansson concluded. “We’re showcasing the latest of what we have as technology, but I think first and foremost, it’s about the collaborations and how we work across with the ecosystem here.”
(Source: Arabian Business YouTube channel)
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