• Key initiatives include testing new Massive MIMO radios, advanced 5G energy-saving features powered by automation and AI, Cloud and Open RAN deployments, and the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform to shape the next generation of mobile networks.
• The successful field trials conducted by Ericsson mark a significant milestone towards readiness for future 5G evolution and pave the way for the networks of the future.
With 5G traffic growing and AI‑driven use cases emerging, Orange and Ericsson are running an experimental program to assess how next‑generation RAN technologies can deliver more capacity and efficiency with a reduced environmental footprint. Grounded in Ericsson’s portfolio, the trials combine controlled lab evaluations with selected field pilots in France to validate technical maturity and operational readiness before any broader decisions.
These trials mark a key milestone toward preparing tomorrow’s 5G networks by exploring innovations such as Massive MIMO, Cloud RAN, and intelligent automation.
Radio innovation at scale
To explore sustainable capacity growth, Orange France is trialing Ericsson’s antenna‑integrated FDD Massive MIMO radios in high‑demand areas. Multiple configurations are being assessed against diverse traffic profiles to quantify gains in spectral efficiency, capacity, and user experience—key inputs to future deployment options on existing sites.
Energy performance and AI‑native automation
In parallel, Orange France is evaluating Ericsson’s advanced 5G energy‑saving features, powered by service‑aware, intent‑driven automation and AI. By dynamically adapting network resources to real‑time demand, the aim is to improve performance per watt without compromising customer experience. These experiments help prioritize where and how software features can deliver energy benefits at scale.
Cloud‑native and open architectures
A dedicated stream focuses on Cloud RAN and Open RAN, validating the flexibility and agility of virtualized RAN functions. A notable milestone within the program is Orange France’s first successful call over Ericsson’s Cloud RAN platform in the Paris region—providing concrete integration and performance insights that inform next steps toward more open, cloud‑native networks.
Closed‑loop operations with EIAP
To advance automation across multi‑vendor, multi‑technology environments, Orange France is field‑trialing Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP) together with AI‑powered rApps. The goal is to evaluate how programmable, closed‑loop optimization can enhance performance, streamline operations, and prepare the path to increasingly autonomous networks.
“As we experiment with next‑generation capabilities, our collaboration with Ericsson accelerates how we learn and prepare for the networks of tomorrow,” notes Emmanuel Lugagne Delpon, Orange France. The joint trials translate innovation into measured outcomes, guiding Orange’s RAN roadmap while supporting France’s and Europe’s leadership in advanced connectivity.
Elisabeth Py
