In a groundbreaking move, AT&T has selected Ericsson as the primary supplier for its Open RAN equipment, set to handle 70% of its wireless traffic by the close of 2026. The five-year agreement, valued at an impressive $14 billion, signals a significant shift in the North American telecommunications landscape. Under the deal, Ericsson will replace some of Nokia’s equipment in specific areas of AT&T’s network.
Fujitsu, Dell, and Intel are key participants in AT&T’s Open RAN rollout, emphasizing the collaborative effort to open up radio access networks, foster innovation, stimulate competition, and expand 5G and fiber connectivity across the United States. Chris Sambar, AT&T’s Executive Vice President, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased that Ericsson shares our support for Open RAN and the possibilities this creates for American digital infrastructure.”
Ericsson’s President and CEO, Börje Ekholm, highlighted the foundational role of high-performance networks in the ongoing digitalization process. Following the announcement, Ericsson’s shares surged by 9%, reaching their highest recorded price, while Nokia experienced an 8% decline. Nokia’s CEO, Pekka Lundmark, acknowledged the news as “disappointing” but emphasized the company’s strategic commitment to creating shareholder value in the future.
The development compounds Nokia’s recent challenges, including a substantial workforce reduction of 14,000 employees and a targeted cost reduction of £1 billion by 2026. Ericsson, too, has faced economic pressures, announcing an 8,500-job cut this year in response to challenging global conditions.
Beyond its impact on industry giants Ericsson and Nokia, the AT&T-Ericsson deal holds broader implications for Open RAN technology. With a $14 billion commitment, AT&T’s move signals a notable financial endorsement for Open RAN, a technology that, until now, faced reluctance from major operators. Analysts speculate that Ericsson’s competitive pricing played a crucial role in securing the deal, with Nokia possibly unwilling to match the offer. As AT&T solidifies its long-term commitment to Open RAN, industry observers anticipate a transformative shift in the telecommunications landscape.
