Could you discuss what products Ericsson is bringing to Critical Communications World 2024? How have things moved forward since last year?
For CCW 2024, we are introducing a new Ultra Compact Core [UCC] solution, enabling additional connectivity during times of acute need such as during natural disasters, extreme weather events, major emergencies or remote user operations.
Together with our partners, we will also present an innovative power grid monitoring solution. This uses low latency 5G to reduce the threat of wildfire by de-energizing a falling power line before it hits the ground causing a major fire incident. This will potentially save lives and large swathes of property.
Last but not least, whilst Ericsson is known for its extensive range of network deployment models serving mission-critical needs, we will be showcasing a customer use case that leverages a 5G Standalone network, using slicing to enable emergency medical services to deliver faster and more precise treatments.
This is just a glimpse of some of the new and exciting developments that we have in store for CCW24. We look forward to welcoming you to discuss this and much more.
How is the mission critical sector evolving, and what role is Ericsson playing in that? How is Ericsson’s role evolving?
Mission critical is an essential element of Ericsson’s strategy. Ericsson has been a long-standing partner of the critical communications community.
We have worked closely over many years with leading governments and critical national infrastructure agencies, mobile network operators, service providers and delivery partners. This has been to understand and drive mission critical features into 3GPP 4G, 5G and soon to start 6G standards.
Ultimately, making 3GPP technology accessible to the critical communications community will place powerful new tools in the hands of first responders and other professional users.
We take a proactive approach by collaborating across a range of leading industry fora including TCCA, UBBA, EUTC, UNIFE, NIAG, and others, covering major mission-critical industries. We have also been working closely with leading third-party partners to ensure their solutions can interoperate with Ericsson networks, de-risking the overall implementation by end users, service providers and mobile network operators.
What are your key products and services for the sector?
Ericsson’s Mission Critical Networks offerings make use of the entire product and solution portfolio from Ericsson. It incorporates advanced features and capabilities to ensure mission critical grade performance, and provide the best end-to-end user experience by addressing key areas.
These are network availability, coverage and capacity, multi-network operation, security and hardening, and QoS, priority and pre-emption. Network solutions, typically including radio, transport, core networking, network management system, operational and business support systems, as well as the security manager.
Ericsson has extensive experience deploying a wide range of network models. These are able to address the full gamut of mission critical end user and government operational needs, from fully dedicated through to shared use of commercial networks.
Could you describe the company’s operations in the Middle East, and in Dubai in particular?
Ericsson's operations in the Middle East highlight our commitment to pioneering 5G technology and fostering sustainable, connected ecosystems. In this region, Ericsson is at the forefront of the telecommunications technology charge, with operational 5G networks already deployed in four GCC countries, and partnerships with seven regional operators for 5G commercial agreements.
Customer-centricity drives our operations, evident in our partnerships with telecom giants like du and Etisalat in the UAE. Partnering with e&, we have implemented the latest Ericsson Charging features to bolster 5G capabilities, and have successfully conducted a 5G data call using Ericsson’s Cloud Radio Access Network [RAN] architecture.
Moreover, joining forces with du, we have deployed the Ericsson Private 5G network solution, ensuring connectivity and smart services to government and enterprise sectors. Through tailored 5G packages and industry-specific business cases, we enhance customer retention and drive thought leadership.
In the UAE, Ericsson plays a crucial role in accelerating 5G deployment, supporting the country's vision for radical change and transformation through limitless connectivity. We provide mobile network infrastructure in Al Ain and Dubai, two cities at the forefront of speed and technological advancement.
Ericsson’s commitment to the region extends beyond infrastructure to talent development. In the UAE, our Graduate Program empowers young Emirati talents with digital skills, aligning with the nation's socio-economic growth agenda.
Lastly, sustainability is at the heart of Ericsson's operations. With a target set for us to achieve net zero by 2040 - and accelerated milestones for certain markets such as the UAE by 2030 - Ericsson remains committed to driving sustainable development across all facets of our operations.
We prioritise eco-friendly network deployments and energy-efficient technologies through collaborating with industry partners to reduce network carbon footprint and build sustainable networks in the UAE.
What are you hoping to achieve at the show?
As a trusted partner and technology leader, Ericsson would like to share our vision, insights, and experiences from collaborations globally. This is to support customers and partners in their journey towards next-generation mission critical mobile broadband networks, delivering connectivity when and where it’s needed the most.
