Singtel and Ericsson build 5G Advanced for enterprise demands

Singtel is working with Ericsson to expand 5G Advanced into a programmable platform built for AI, AR, IoT, and smart mobility.

Singtel is preparing its network for a different kind of traffic—one shaped by artificial intelligence, immersive apps, connected vehicles, and billions of sensors. To support that shift, the telecom operator is working with Ericsson to move 5G Advanced beyond a basic speed upgrade and into something more programmable and software-driven.

The goal is to turn the mobile network into a platform that businesses can shape around their own needs. As AI tools, AR and VR services, and smart transport systems expand, companies are asking for more than standard connectivity. They want steady performance, clear service levels, and tools that let them adjust network features through software.

Ng Tian Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Singtel Singapore, framed 5G Advanced as "a foundational platform for Singapore's AI-powered future," rather than just another upgrade cycle. He said the company intends to build intelligence, programmability, and service differentiation directly into the network so enterprises can "innovate with confidence and compete globally."

Singtel will focus first on lighthouse programs that show clear ecosystem impact, positioning the collaboration as part of a broader effort to shape what he called "the next chapter of connectivity" in an AI-driven environment.

Ericsson sees growing demand for that shift. Daniel Ode, Ericsson's Head of Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei and Global Customer Unit Singtel, said AI adoption across enterprises and public agencies is increasing the need for end-to-end 5G Advanced capabilities and programmable network APIs. He noted that both companies aim to expand network slicing and differentiated connectivity, while scaling services to support new growth opportunities.

Building a programmable 5G network

A key part of the plan is wider use of network slicing. This allows Singtel to divide its network into virtual segments, each built for a specific purpose. One slice might be tuned for AI workloads that need stable, low-delay connections. Another could support large IoT fleets or immersive AR and VR tools. These slices would come with enforceable service level agreements, giving companies clearer performance guarantees.

The rollout also includes AI tools built into the radio access network, software interfaces that expose network features through commercial APIs, and premium service tiers aimed at sectors such as automotive, public services, and digital-native firms. Singtel has mapped this work in stages through 2026, 2028, and 2030, tying it to new revenue streams while giving customers time to adapt.

Behind the scenes, both firms plan to automate more of the network's daily operations. They are working toward what the TM Forum calls Level 4 autonomy, where systems can monitor and adjust themselves with limited human input. Closed-loop systems would handle optimization tasks, aiming to improve reliability, manage capacity, and respond to faults faster. Singtel also expects gains in spectrum use and operating costs as automation deepens.

Some of the early projects will serve as test cases. These "lighthouse" efforts may include edge-powered AR, VR, and XR services that rely on steady performance, as well as ultra-low-power device networks for logistics, utilities, retail, transport, and smart city services. The idea is to prove business value before wider rollout.

Looking further ahead, Singtel and Ericsson are studying features tied to future network standards. Areas of interest include integrated sensing and communication, uplink improvements to handle AI-driven traffic, and architectural changes designed to improve efficiency and resilience.

Taken together, the partnership mirrors a broader shift in telecom. As data demand grows and AI reshapes workloads, operators are trying to make their networks more flexible, measurable, and software-defined—less like static infrastructure and more like platforms businesses can build on.