AT&T has chosen Ericsson to help upgrade its network infrastructure, in a deal that could be worth up to $14bn over five years.

  • 70% traffic across open-capable platforms by 2026
  • AT&T looking to partner to scale up OPEN RAN enviroments
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The telecoms giant said it aims to have 70pc of its wireless network traffic flow across open-capable platforms by late 2026.

AT&T expects to have fully integrated open radio access network (Open RAN) sites operating from 2024, in collaboration with Ericsson and Fujitsu.

Open RAN differs from traditional radio access networks by allowing different parts of the network’s infrastructure to be built by different vendors. Supporters claim these networks will break down barriers to entry in the telecoms sector, increasing the amount of competition and lowering costs as a result.

AT&T said it plans to scale up its Open RAN environment throughout its wireless network in 2025 with the help of multiple suppliers, including Dell Technologies, Ericsson, Fujitsu and Intel.

“This move to an open, agile, programmable wireless network positions AT&T to quickly capitalise on the next generation of wireless technology and spectrum when it becomes available,” the company said.