Press release · November 4, 2026 · techblog.comsoc.org
Verizon and Ericsson plan nationwide rollout of AI-native RAN automation
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Summary
Verizon and Ericsson have extended their long-running collaboration to bring AI-native automation into radio access network operations. The effort centers on Ericsson Intelligent Controller (EIC), a software platform for running rApps that the two companies co-developed, and the companies plan to deploy it nationwide. The aim is to improve mobile network performance and advance Verizon's longer-term objective of Level 4 network autonomy.
The collaboration pursues three stated objectives. The first is RAN autonomy, built on open, programmable interfaces to automate network operations and optimization. The second is AI-based optimization, using rApps to improve radio performance, traffic distribution and operational efficiency. The third is operator-controlled innovation, which lets Verizon build and deploy its own rApps alongside Ericsson applications rather than relying solely on vendor-developed optimization software.
The companies demonstrated EIC and associated rApps in a live network environment. One application, the Advanced Antenna System Cell Shaper rApp, applies AI-based cell shaping and traffic steering to optimize Massive MIMO antenna operation.
Field deployment of the Cell Shaper rApp produced throughput gains of up to 8.9 percent in downlink data radio bearer throughput and up to 8 percent in uplink user equipment throughput, according to Ericsson and Verizon.
A separate application addresses failed transitions from LTE to 5G Standalone for Fixed Wireless Access devices. Verizon implemented a Connected Mode Inter-RAT handover method that, according to the companies, removes the need for manual intervention when those failures occur.
Verizon plans to introduce additional rApps developed internally and by Ericsson, including Cell Anomaly Detector, Root Cause Explainer and Anomaly General Optimizer, alongside the nationwide EIC deployment planned for 2026.
Our summary. The original keeps its own byline.