The collaboration between Singapore-based telecommunications company Singtel and Swedish firm Ericsson is set to revolutionize Network-as-a-Service solutions for telcos and enterprises. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both companies aim to introduce a real-time, self-service, and API-enabled platform that simplifies the ordering and provisioning of communication services.
This new solution will be integrated through Singtel’s Paragon platform for 5G edge computing and cloud services. Ericsson’s Service Orchestration and Assurance will complement this platform’s capabilities. The objective is to modernize and simplify wireless communication services like network slicing and service assurance for enterprise customers worldwide. This enhanced functionality promises to open new revenue streams for telecom operators.
Currently, many telcos rely on manual processes to provision network services. This method is often seen as complex and costly, hindering the rollout of user-friendly self-service options. With the new Singtel and Ericsson solution, enterprise customers can order and manage services via Singtel’s Paragon. The solution ensures requests are instantly executed through the network, streamlining operations significantly.
Manoj Prasanna Kumar, CTO at Singtel Digital InfraCo, highlighted the strategic partnership’s potential, stating, “This will strengthen the joint value proposition and expedite 5G, edge, and network API use cases.” The offering promises seamless rollout, enabling global carriers to monetize rapidly.
Enterprise users will benefit from a self-service portal or API catalogue on Paragon. This feature enables them to manage and request dedicated 5G-enabled services swiftly. As technology evolves, Singtel is looking to further incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operations and customer experience.
Last year, Singtel joined 21 global telcos in forming the GSMA Open Gateway framework. This initiative established a federated and interoperable framework with open standard APIs. The aim was to accelerate service development in fintech, identity, smart mobility, gaming, and Web3 arenas.
Tay Yeow Lian, managing director of networks at Singtel Singapore, reported, “The framework allows digital service providers and mobile network operators to create open APIs, promoting innovations and a faster adoption of new technologies such as AI.” Under this joint endeavor, Singtel also collaborates on a Large Language Model (LLM) in various languages, such as Korean and English, set to benefit its massive international customer base.
