This report provides an in-depth analysis of Ericsson’s Pre-MWC 2026 Analyst Event held in London, focusing on the company’s strategic direction and innovations in network technology. Ericsson has a renewed emphasis on network hardware, including the launch of new radios and antennas with integrated AI capabilities, underscoring its core business focus.

The report discusses the realistic application of AI in network operations, noting modest efficiency gains and the early stage of monetizable AI services. It also covers Ericsson’s efforts in CSP innovation, API monetization, and regional dynamics across EMEA, with particular attention to private networks and defense sector use cases.

There is consideration of the business case for 5G Standalone and the pathway to 6G, with Ericsson emphasizing the need for operators to build commercial capabilities now. At the event, Ericsson shared key announcements on AI-ready hardware, autonomous network software, and partnerships with AWS and Microsoft.

Companies referenced in this report: odafoneThree, AWS, Microsoft, Leonardo, Telia, Swisscom, Telstra, AT&T, e& UAE, MTN, C3 AI, LotusFlare