Revolutionizing Connectivity: Ericsson and AWS Join Forces to Create Self-Healing Networks Powered by AI

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Ericsson’s Cognitive Network Solutions has teamed up with AWS to harness the potential of artificial intelligence, paving the way for mobile networks that can effectively self-heal.

Every text message and video call depends on intricate systems that telecom companies pour billions into maintaining. This innovative partnership seeks not just to enhance the intelligence of these networks but to render them virtually autonomous, transforming how we connect.

Jean-Christophe Laneri, Vice President and Head of Cognitive Network Solutions at Ericsson, remarked, “This collaboration signifies a pivotal milestone in network optimization technology. By fusing AWS’s robust global infrastructure and cutting-edge AI with Ericsson’s unparalleled telecom expertise.”

He also added that, “we empower communication service providers to effortlessly adapt to evolving business landscapes, all while managing predictable costs and optimizing operational efficiency.”

When the internet falters at home, many resort to the age-old “turn it off and on again” routine: unplugging and rebooting the router. If that fails, the next step is often a frustrating call to customer service. 

This partnership aims to transform this experience through agentic AI, which will automate problem identification, solution testing, and issue resolution before users even realize there’s a problem. This isn’t just about home networks; the goal is to implement this solution across vast telecom networks that serve millions.

Fabio Cerone, General Manager of the EMEA Telco Business Unit at AWS, explained, “Through our collaborative efforts, AWS and Ericsson will revolutionize how telecommunications providers automate intricate operations, reduce costs, and elevate customer experiences.” 

Cerone also stated that “we are introducing solutions that not only deliver immediate business value but also lay the groundwork for the autonomous networks of the future.” The technology operates through RAN automation applications, or “rApps,” which are sophisticated tools engineered to manage diverse aspects of a network. 

The breakthrough lies in how these tools collaborate using agentic AI to optimize network performance, akin to a team of professionals working seamlessly together on a project. While this technology may be intricate, the benefits for everyday mobile users are clear and compelling. 

Imagine networks that can not only anticipate but also resolve problems independently, leading to fewer dropped calls, more consistent data speeds, and enhanced coverage even in challenging environments.

Take, for example, the scenario of being at a football match, surrounded by 50,000 other fans trying to use their phones. Today’s networks often buckle under this strain. However, a smarter, more autonomous network could proactively recognize the crowd’s formation, reallocate resources automatically.

Besides, it can maintain high service quality without the need for human intervention. Unlike traditional networks that operate on rigid, programmed instructions, this new approach empowers networks to understand desired outcomes.

Some of them include ensuring smooth video streaming in a crowded area, and allows AI to figure out the best way to achieve that in real-time. While terms like “intent-based networks” and “autonomous management systems” may sound like science fiction, they herald a transformative shift in delivering essential services. 

As 5G continues to expand and the promise of 6G approaches, the complexities of managing these systems demand innovative solutions. Mobile operators are under immense pressure to enhance service quality while simultaneously reducing costs, two goals that have historically seemed at odds. 

Autonomous networks present a powerful solution, enabling companies to achieve more with fewer resources and less human intervention. As humans’ dependence on reliable connectivity grows, supporting everything from remote healthcare and education to cutting-edge technologies like autonomous vehicles, the stakes for network performance are higher than ever. 

This partnership between tech giants to create self-healing mobile networks underscores a crucial realization: AI is not just a trendy concept, but a necessary evolution for the critical infrastructure we rely on every day.