Ericsson on Wednesday unveiled a new solution it claims will cut network build time in half for operators.
Dubbed Accelerated Network Build, Ericsson said the solution is based on Ericsson’s cloud-based Network Deployment Delivery Platform toolkit that streamlines the build process and delivers a number of technical innovations. Ericsson said the solution utilizes a two-phased deployment approach – including an offsite preparation phase and a single execution phase where activities are conducted concurrently on site – to reduce time needed on site and introduce remote tools to control roll outs.
The company said the Accelerated Network Build solution will slash build time by 50 percent, reduce the number of necessary site visits by 70 percent, and improve rollout predictability with 99 percent first-time right delivery. Successful trials of the solution have already been completed in both emerging and developed markets, Ericsson noted.
Ericsson’s Head of Network Services Fredrik Jejdling said the solution will “revolutionize how networks are built and set a new standard in the industry.”
The launch comes ahead of the fast-approaching advent of 5G.
According to Ericsson’s recent Mobility Report, 5G is expected to ramp up more quickly than previous mobile technologies, hitting half a billion global subscriptions by 2022. That means quicker build times will be a valuable asset for mobile operators looking to capitalize on the early 5G rush.
“Fast time to revenue and reduced cost is a must have right now – it’s a pain point for operators that needs to be solved with innovation,” Michael Sullivan-Trainor, executive analyst at Technology Business Research Telecom Practice, said. “New technologies are going to make things even more complex and it’s very timely that Ericsson is addressing how to fix the infrastructure deployment model now, both for today and for tomorrow when 5G and the Internet of Things will come.”
This and other 5G solutions could prove to be a life raft for Ericsson, which has struggled in the face of weakened demand for its mobile broadband products.
In its third quarter financial report, Ericsson posted a 14 percent decline in sales year over year to just 51.1 billion Swedish Krona (around $5.8 billion), as well as a year-over-year drop in its gross margin from 33.9 percent to 28.3 percent. Operating income also plummeted year over year from 5.1 billion Krona ($572 million) to just 300 million Krona (around $33.7 million).
Filed Under: Infrastructure
