Singtel and Ericsson deepen partnership to scale 5G innovation and build AI-native networks

• Singtel and Ericsson today announced a five-year strategic partnership to advance Singapore's 5G capabilities, accelerate the adoption of AI-native applications and deliver more reliable, intelligent connectivity for businesses and consumers

The agreement builds on years of collaboration that have seen Singtel and Ericsson establish one of the world's first nationwide 5G standalone networks, pioneer advanced network capabilities like network slicing and differentiated connectivity services for both enterprises and consumers to market.

Singtel and Ericsson also recently made progress in applying AI to improve network performance. A live-network trial of AI-powered radio access network capabilities demonstrated a 19% improvement in throughput, highlighting the potential for AI to optimise network resources and manage growing traffic demands more efficiently.

Extending the collaboration announced in March 2026, the new agreement establishes a longer-term roadmap that will focus on scaling 5G Advanced and AI-powered network capabilities across industries, supporting increasingly sophisticated AI and autonomous applications, and introducing more intelligent network capabilities that can anticipate demand, optimise performance and strengthen service reliability.

Mr Ng Tian Chong, Chief Executive Officer, Singtel Singapore, said: "We've built a strong 5G foundation for Singapore and turned advanced network capabilities into services that benefit our customers. But the demands on connectivity are changing rapidly. As AI becomes more embedded in how we live and work, networks will need to support far more complex applications, from autonomous machines and real-time analytics to the AI tools people use every day.

"Our priority is to make these capabilities more widely accessible and commercially viable, while continuing to strengthen the reliability, security and performance of our network. Through this partnership we’re ensuring Singapore's connectivity infrastructure continues to evolve alongside the needs of its people and businesses, supporting new opportunities for innovation and growth in the AI era.”

Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei and Philippines and Global Customer Unit Singtel, says, "Singapore continues to set the benchmark for digital infrastructure and forward-thinking government policy. Through this renewed five-year partnership, Ericsson is working closely with Singtel to translate our shared infrastructure milestones into high-value outcomes for businesses and consumers alike. By combining 5G, 5G Advanced, and AI-native operational capabilities, we are scaling programmable, differentiated connectivity to support Singapore’s digital ambitions, unlock new opportunities for critical industries and enhance everyday digital experiences."

Building on strong 5G innovation
Since launching Singapore's first 5G standalone network in 2021 and achieving over 95% nationwide 5G standalone coverage in 2022, three years ahead of regulatory targets, Singtel has progressively introduced capabilities that improve network performance and enable new applications.

• Wider, stronger 5G coverage: Singtel's 5G+ network, enhanced by the deployment of 700 MHz spectrum, has improved coverage by up to 40%, particularly in indoor locations.
• Differentiated consumer connectivity: In 2025, Singtel introduced 5G+ service tiers that use network slicing to provide enhanced and priority connectivity. These deliver faster speeds and more consistent performance in crowded locations, supporting activities such as video calls, streaming and gaming.
• 5G-powered enterprise operations: Singtel has extended advanced connectivity into industries where network performance is critical. At PSA Singapore's Tuas Port, 5G network slicing supports secure, low-latency communications for automated guided vehicles, cranes and other port systems, enabling real-time coordination of operations.

More recently, Singtel and Ericsson introduced further network enhancements, including technology supporting peak uplink speeds of up to 250 Mbps on compatible newer devices. This enables faster transmission of high-definition video and other data-intensive content, supporting applications such as live streaming, remote monitoring and AI-powered video analytics.

Boosting enterprise innovation and growth with AI-powered network
Over the next five years, Singtel and Ericsson will prioritise the wider commercial deployment of advanced connectivity solutions for industries where network performance affects operational efficiency, productivity and safety.

Building on existing deployments, Singtel will extend network slicing and programmable connectivity to support more sophisticated AI-powered applications, including autonomous vehicles, industrial robotics, smart manufacturing and intelligent logistics. These technologies require dedicated network capacity, low latency and predictable performance to enable connected machines, sensors and AI systems to operate and respond in real time.

The partners will also explore opportunities at major infrastructure and industrial developments, including Changi Airport Terminal 5, Bulim Square and upcoming JTC developments. Potential applications range from autonomous mobility and intelligent inspection systems to real-time video analytics and remote monitoring, helping businesses improve productivity, operational efficiency and safety.

Enhancing consumer experiences with 5G+
For consumers, the collaboration will build on Singtel's existing 5G+ offerings to deliver faster, more responsive connectivity and introduce services tailored to evolving digital lifestyles.

As consumers increasingly create and share high-definition content, make video calls and use AI-powered applications, demand is growing for stronger uplink performance and more responsive networks. Singtel and Ericsson will continue enhancing these capabilities while exploring flexible, on-demand connectivity options that allow customers to access higher network performance when needed.

Developing more intelligent, resilient and efficient networks
As AI applications become more widespread, networks will increasingly need to support larger volumes of data moving in both directions, more connected devices and applications that require near-instant responses.

To achieve this, Singtel and Ericsson will explore the progressive integration of AI into network operations to improve how Singtel anticipates, manages and responds to changing connectivity demands. AI and machine learning will be used to better predict traffic patterns, optimise network resources and identify potential performance issues earlier. With greater automation deployed across radio and core networks, Singtel aims to improve the operational efficiency, optimise energy consumption and strengthen service assurance of its networks.

For more information, visit Singtel 5G+.