At Mobile World Congress 2025 we’re asking Ericsson executive team members about the priorities and opportunities for their business area in the year ahead. First up is Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks.
NEWS
MAR 04, 2025
#OpenRAN #FWA #ProgrammableNetworks #mwc25 #ericssonmwc
2025 marks Jejdling’s eighth Mobile World Congress as head of Ericsson’s largest business area, Networks. Although he is set to leave the company after the event, his dedication to the success of the Networks business remains unwavering.
1. What are BA Networks’ biggest priorities for the year ahead?
“At Networks, we are passionate about revolutionizing connectivity. Our focus is on creating high-performing programmable networks to meet diverse connectivity needs. Our mission is to deliver unique, high-value connectivity tailored to each customer’s requirements.
To achieve this, we are simplifying and optimizing network operations using AI and intent-driven automation. This approach enables swift, real-time adjustments that enhance various services using the same resources.
By adding programmability, we’re empowering our customers to tailor network behavior to meet specific business objectives.
To deliver on the promise of programmability, we’ve expanded our portfolio with new software and hardware products. Our 5G Advanced capabilities are now available in 10 software subscriptions, designed to drive revenue, efficiency, and user experience. We have also launched next-generation hardware that raises the bar on performance, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability by reducing the embodied carbon footprint.
Looking ahead, we will continue to lead in programmable networks, making our technology accessible through APIs and maintain our technology leadership.”
2. What momentum can we expect in 2025 on 5G Advanced and related high-performing programmable network customer engagements?
“5G Advanced represents a significant step toward creating high-performing programmable networks. 2025 will be a pivotal year, as more customers embrace and deploy 5G Advanced subscriptions within their networks. We already have some trailblazers such as Telstra, FarEasTone, DNB, Optus and Ooredoo, who believe in the potential of 5G Advanced to generate revenue, drive operational efficiency, and enhance user experience.”
3. In terms of the overall RAN market, Ericsson said recently (Q4 2024 results) that it is showing signs of stability – although there is still a contrast between regions. In your view, what does this mean for Ericsson’s global and regional RAN business ambitions in 2025?
“At the end of 2024 we saw sales returning to growth for the first time in several quarters and gross margin continued to improve. While last year continued to be challenging for the global RAN market, we were well prepared and took actions early to optimize our business.
Looking ahead, we see signs of the RAN market stabilizing. Our recent customer discussions indicate an accelerating interest around programmable networks. And in many markets, there is a need to invest to keep networks competitive. However, the exact timing of these investment decisions are in the hands of our customers and we will continue to optimize our business and strengthen our competitiveness.”
4. Ericsson’s industry-defining deal with AT&T boosted the latest financial results. Alongside the October 2024 MasOrange Open RAN-ready deal in Spain, these flagship partnerships showcase Ericsson’s growing leadership in networks of the future. Could you provide an update on these key collaborations from a customer-partnership perspective, and how are their customers benefiting from this?
“Our USD 14 billion, five-year agreement with AT&T, signed in 2023, is transformative for both companies. It will modernize networks, expand 5G coverage, and support future 5G Advanced capabilities using cloud-native technologies and O-RAN standardized interfaces. AT&T aims for 70% of its wireless traffic to flow through open-capable platforms by late 2026, pioneering the Open RAN initiative to boost capacity and resilience. We are collaborating with major operators and vendors to test Open RAN hardware and software, backed by NTIA funding.
APIs will open the network for developers to innovate, paving the way for an open network future. Our collaboration positions us as leaders in the RAN equipment space, fostering new solutions. Partnering with Vonage (part of Ericsson), AT&T will empower developers and businesses with tools for new services and experiences.
MasOrange is deploying Ericsson Radio System Open RAN-ready equipment, marking Europe’s first commercial-scale deployment. Over 3,000 radio units have been installed in the MasOrange network, enhancing 5G services to meet demand in urban, rural, and large venues. The October 2024 agreement equips MasOrange to offer innovative services, establishing one of Europe’s most extensive 5G Standalone networks.
Our partnership places the Spanish operator at the forefront of Europe’s high-performing networks, contributing significantly to strengthening the European telecommunications ecosystem.”
5. Mission-Critical Networks is an increasingly important part of your business area scope. What are your expectations in this area for the year ahead – from product capabilities to customer engagements?
“The mission-critical market is evolving rapidly, where speed, innovation, and agility are essential to maintaining a competitive edge. By leveraging the power of commercial 5G and our industry-leading portfolio, we are well-positioned to drive transformation, especially in national security and defense operations.
We continue to enhance our offerings for mission-critical segments, adding the Ultra Compact Core and 5G advancements across core and radio portfolios to meet communication needs while remaining a ‘dual use’ technology.
Public safety remains the largest market, with AT&T enhancing its 5G network to strengthen FirstNet for first responders. In Europe, the shift from legacy technologies to 3GPP-compliant 4G/5G mission-critical broadband is accelerating
Rail and defense are in the early stages of 3GPP 5G adoption, where Ericsson collaborates with standardization bodies, governments, and industry partners to drive progress. Meanwhile, digital airspace is emerging as a new frontier, integrating mission-critical 3GPP connectivity with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) to support low- and mid-altitude aerial deployments.
The utilities sector is also evolving, particularly in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia-Pacific. Many customers have relied on Ericsson’s mission-critical LTE for over a decade and are now advancing toward secure, broadband 3GPP networks for greater operational efficiency.”
6. What can we expect from the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) business in the year ahead?
“We see 2025 as a pivotal year for FWA value creation, growth, monetization, and capital efficiency, with 30 million new global connections expected, rivaling fiber’s 47 million. By 2030, FWA is projected to reach 350 million connections, generating USD 74 billion in CSP revenues. Notably, 5G FWA Net Promoter Scores now match or surpass fiber, underscoring its strong market position.
Service providers are expected to leverage 5G Standalone to introduce Premium Experience FWA, boosting revenues through differentiated connectivity, higher ARPU, optimized network efficiency, and stronger customer loyalty.
FWA offers a faster, more capital-efficient alternative to fiber expansion, with fixed network capex-to-revenue ratios three times higher than mobile networks, and fiber rollout costs five times more.
This strategy enhances FWA’s profitability and network ROI, making it a key driver of broadband expansion in 2025.”
7. What are BA Networks main goals at MWC 2025?
“We will showcase to our customers, ecosystem partners, and tech enthusiasts how our latest innovations advance high-performing programmable networks that are sustainable, AI-driven, and secure. Key themes for Ericsson Networks include the evolution of radio access networks (RAN), monetization, operational efficiency, and security. Through immersive demos and expert-led discussions, we aim to demonstrate how our solutions are transforming connectivity and maximizing the potential of 5G, creating new business opportunities and user benefits within a dynamic, open ecosystem.”
Feel welcome to join the #ericssonmwc conversation at #mwc25
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