Ericsson and LG Uplus Deepen Cooperation to Advance Network-Based Voice AI

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ericsson and LG Uplus have announced the deepening of their strategic cooperation to jointly develop and expand network-based voice AI solutions and drive the evolution of networks toward an AI-native direction.

Under the cooperation, LG Uplus's experience in commercial services and voice AI capabilities—including its AI call agent service ixi-O—will complement Ericsson's global expertise in voice and video calling network technologies such as the IP Multimedia Subsystem. The two companies stated that their shared goal is to create next-generation communication services that integrate AI more directly into the network, thereby enabling smarter calls, more intuitive voice-guided experiences, and enhanced operational efficiency.

According to the announcement, the two parties will explore the following areas:

Network-based voice AI solutions that can operate within communication service provider networks.

Global commercial opportunities for voice AI services, including potential service and business models.

Intelligent programmable network capabilities to accelerate innovation and enable faster deployment of new services.

AI-driven network automation to optimize performance, improve energy efficiency, and enhance operational agility.

The evolution of future networks, including 5G standalone and scalable connectivity for developing AI services and devices.

Technology validation to enable application across various cloud and network environments.

As AI-based services become increasingly prevalent, mobile networks are expected to play a more significant role in connecting people, devices, and AI capabilities. Network-based voice AI helps reduce reliance on individual applications and devices while enabling communication service providers to deliver AI-based experiences through reliable, high-quality voice networks.

The two companies also plan to study the possibility of networks transforming from mere connectivity channels into more intelligent platforms, enabling networks to understand service conditions, optimize network resources, and support AI-driven automation. This direction encompasses ongoing discussions on both "AI for networks" and "networks for AI" capabilities, helping communication service providers create new value in the AI era.

Per Narvinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks at Ericsson, who is set to become Ericsson's President and CEO, stated that AI-native networks will become a key technological foundation for the future of telecommunications. The cooperation with LG Uplus will improve customer experience and operational efficiency based on network-based voice AI solutions and AI-native networks, while jointly exploring new business opportunities.

Bumshik Hong, CEO of LG Uplus, stated that the company will combine the voice AI service experience accumulated through ixi-O with Ericsson's global technological capabilities in the network domain to bring network-based voice AI to the global market, providing smarter and more convenient communication experiences. He also mentioned that the two companies plan to establish a mid-to-long-term cooperation framework covering everything from technology research to potential global commercialization, and will continue to identify specific areas of joint collaboration.