Ericsson Signs Multi-Year Contract with SoftBank for Core Network Expansion and Modernization

This is an abridged translation of a press release issued on March 26, 2026.

• SoftBank adopts Ericsson's cloud-native dual-mode core and Ericsson Cloud IMS, along with a broad range of new capabilities, to accelerate network-wide modernization

• Integration of cutting-edge automation technology enables improved network operational efficiency, real-time resource optimization, and reduced CAPEX and OPEX

• Accelerated migration to 5G SA (Standalone) and strengthened cloud-native infrastructure contribute to new value creation for SoftBank's telecommunications business

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) announced that it has signed a multi-year comprehensive contract with SoftBank Corp. (hereinafter "SoftBank") for the deployment of core network solutions aimed at expanding and modernizing SoftBank's core network infrastructure and accelerating its transition to 5G SA.

Under this agreement, Ericsson will provide SoftBank with a comprehensive solution including Dual-Mode 5G Core (DMC) running on Cloud-Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS), subscriber data management via User Data Consolidation (UDC), policy control, and Ericsson Cloud IMS.

This enables SoftBank to accelerate its migration to 5G SA while managing existing 4G/5G services in an integrated manner, and to improve the scalability and reliability of the entire network. The contract also contributes to strengthening the foundation for effectively leveraging AI across 5G-Advanced use cases and broad network domains.

Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO of SoftBank Corp., commented: "Ericsson's advanced cloud-native technology and automation solutions are an extremely important foundation for realizing our vision of 'converging AI and networks.' This core network overhaul will not only accelerate our migration to 5G SA but also dramatically enhance the autonomy and efficiency of network operations. SoftBank will continue to build a robust and flexible next-generation infrastructure, deliver new value to our customers, and lead innovation in the telecommunications industry."

Jawad Mansour, President and Representative Director of Ericsson Japan, stated: "We are very pleased that SoftBank, which leads the telecommunications industry with its advanced initiatives to integrate AI and communications, has chosen our core network and IMS solutions. We will combine our technological capabilities and global expertise to support SoftBank in advancing its network, improving operational efficiency, and leveraging AI, thereby contributing to the promotion of digital transformation that addresses social challenges in Japan."

Contract Overview

• Network Modernization (Core, Voice, and Policy Control)
  Migrating existing MME (Mobility Management Entity) and AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) nationwide to a cloud-native Dual-Mode 5G Core on CNIS, enabling flexible software control of both legacy and next-generation access technologies. Voice gateways and policy control solutions are also being refreshed to cloud-native configurations (PCC, PCG, CCPC), providing a highly scalable and resilient voice domain and policy control framework.

• Network Expansion and Enhanced Data Management
  Deploying Ericsson's UDC solution as a comprehensive cloud-native subscriber data management capability on CNIS to strengthen subscriber data management and meet growing service demand and capacity requirements. This includes a data provisioning layer delivered by Ericsson Dynamic Activation (EDA), a data storage layer via Cloud Core Data Storage Manager (CCDM), and Cloud Core Subscription Manager (CCSM) as a subscription management layer with additional capabilities to reliably manage subscriber data spanning 4G and 5G.