SmarTone strengthens network with Ericsson 5G-Advanced technology

• 5G-Advanced technology will enable SmarTone to provide new services to customers
• The technology further boosts network efficiency and improves service delivery
• Ericsson's radio access network (RAN) and 5G core solutions will reduce SmarTone's operational costs, strengthen security, and enhance user experience

Hong Kong communications service provider (CSP) SmarTone has teamed up with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) as its 5G Advanced technology provider, as the company continues to strengthen its network. Ericsson 5G Advanced technology supports the introduction of new radio access network (RAN) capabilities in line with SmarTone’s high-performing programmable network ambitions.

A programmable network is a next-generation communications platform that offers dynamic, agile, and adaptive control over network functions and resources. Programmable networks use intelligent automation, intent-driven operations, AI, and open, horizontally layered architectures. Such capabilities enables the development of tailored connectivity solutions that optimize performance in line with specific business objectives or user needs.

The ability to automatically adjust configurations – such as traffic prioritization or service optimization – based on high-level intents that define operational goals is a key feature of programmable networks. These capabilities empower CSPs to deliver differentiated connectivity with guaranteed Service Level Agreements (SLAs), resulting in improved user experiences and greater business value.

Ericsson’s latest generation of radios, which SmarTone will deploy, is designed to provide networks that push the boundaries of performance, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and increase sustainability through reduced energy consumption. SmarTone will deploy:

• The latest Massive MIMO radios with industry-leading energy efficiency and lowest weight for easy rollouts and low operational expenditures (Opex). The model that will be deployed (AIR 3255) has 30 percent lower energy consumption and a 20 percent lower embodied CO2 footprint compared to the previous generation of the product
• Ultralight (24 Kg.) triple-band macro radios with excellent performance and power efficiency that will concurrently enhance SmarTone’s network coverage and capacity

• Other features include Mobile Edge Computing, provided via Ericsson’s Local Packet Gateway, to provide secure, private, and highly-available services with geographic redundancy. This includes scalable user plane functions (UPFs) for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for enterprises as well as high-availability, flexible UPF solutions for home broadband users.

  The new agreement also includes products from the Ericsson Network Exposure portfolio, including the ability to safely expose SmarTone’s key network capabilities to its selected partners via the Cloud Core Exposure Server and Ericsson Network Location to help introduce future-focused location-based use cases.

  The ability to deliver differentiated connectivity also enables SmarTone to align service levels with price-points delivered to consumers and enterprises. For example, through network slicing, SmarTone will be able to boost quality of service on demand when the network needs it the most.

  Stephen Chau, Chief Technical Officer, SmarTone says: “In recent years, increased network capacity and quality has not always translated to increased revenue in a linear way. That’s why it was important for us to move ahead with technology that will enable us to better monetize the network and reduce operational costs. With the new 5G Advanced technology from Ericsson, it is what we aim to achieve.”

  Peter Fung, President of Ericsson Hong Kong and Macau, says: “A programmable network can be managed through software, which allows for quick changes and flexible control over how the network acts and what services can be launched. It can also enable faster deployment of new services and can reduce operational costs. We are thrilled to be the technology provider that will help SmarTone to build a stronger, nimbler network to benefit consumers and enterprises in Hong Kong.”