Ericsson has secured a key contract with NTT DOCOMO in Japan. The vendor will supply its next-generation RAN Compute platform for DOCOMO’s mobile network.
The deal supports DOCOMO’s ongoing 5G rollout and future network upgrades. It also prepares the operator for 5G Advanced services. These networks need more computing power, especially as traffic keeps rising.
The platform supports 4G, 5G, and 5G Advanced from one foundation. It also adds capacity for AI and machine learning tools. These tools can help operators manage networks faster and with more precision.
Importantly, Ericsson says the system can evolve through software updates. That gives DOCOMO more flexibility as customer demand changes. It may also reduce the need for frequent hardware replacements.
Deployment started in July last year. DOCOMO expects the new platform to help maintain communication quality. This matters as video, cloud apps, gaming, and connected devices increase network pressure.
The new system uses Ericsson’s latest silicon technology. In simple terms, silicon is the core chip technology powering the platform. Ericsson says this generation delivers up to twice the processing capacity. It also uses less than half the energy of previous baseband products.
That energy saving could carry major business value. Lower power use can cut operating costs across large network sites. It may also help operators meet environmental targets.
The platform also supports Centralised Radio Access Network deployments. C-RAN centralises key network functions in fewer locations. This can improve efficiency, but it requires strong processing power and reliable transport links.
Masafumi Masuda, Senior Vice President, General Manager of Radio Access Network Design Department, NTT DOCOMO, said: “DOCOMO is promoting the enhancement of network processing capacity to maintain and improve communication quality while meeting the growing traffic demand.
“Ericsson’s RAN Compute platform will strongly support our infrastructure strategy thanks to its high processing performance. We will continue to deepen our partnership with Ericsson to build a flexible network platform that anticipates the future use of AI and deliver the best communication experience to our customers.”
The contract also highlights a wider market shift. Operators now want radio networks that support automation and future AI use. They need stronger performance without creating higher energy bills.
Yukiko Sato, Board Director and Head of Customer Unit NTT Group of Ericsson Japan, added: “We are proud of Ericsson’s ability to offer the market’s most advanced and efficient RAN Compute technology through our trust-based partnership with DOCOMO.
“The RAN Compute platform will not only address DOCOMO’s network traffic needs but also enhance environmental sustainability and reduce operating costs.”
Still, execution will matter. Advanced RAN platforms must integrate smoothly with existing networks. Operators also need skilled teams to manage new software-driven capabilities.
For DOCOMO, the agreement strengthens its path toward AI-ready mobile infrastructure. For Ericsson, it reinforces its position in Japan’s demanding telecom market. The partnership shows how network performance, energy efficiency, and automation now move together.
