Singtel and Ericsson Announce Five-Year 5G and AI Partnership in Singapore

Singtel and Ericsson (ERIC ) announced a five-year strategic partnership on October 20, 2026 to advance Singapore’s 5G capabilities, accelerate the adoption of AI-native applications and deliver what the companies describe as more reliable, intelligent connectivity for businesses and consumers, according to an Ericsson announcement.

The agreement extends the collaboration the companies announced in March 2026 and establishes a longer-term roadmap focused on scaling 5G Advanced and AI-powered network capabilities across industries. The companies state the roadmap will support increasingly sophisticated AI and autonomous applications and introduce network capabilities intended to anticipate demand, optimize performance and strengthen service reliability.

The March 3, 2026 collaboration announcement committed the companies to accelerating the evolution of 5G Advanced into a programmable, AI-powered digital platform for enterprise transformation. That initiative included AI-in-RAN capabilities, programmable network features exposed via commercial APIs, and premium service tiers designed for enterprise, automotive, public sector and digital-native customers, with a phased roadmap through 2026, 2028 and 2030. It also set a goal of progressing toward Level 4 network autonomy as defined by the TM Forum, alongside exploration of Integrated Sensing and Communication, uplink enhancements and uplink/downlink decoupling.

Singtel and Ericsson also recently made progress applying AI to improve network performance. A live-network trial of AI-powered radio access network capabilities demonstrated a 19% improvement in throughput, the companies report, a result they characterize as highlighting the potential for AI to optimize network resources and manage growing traffic demands more efficiently.

Ng Tian Chong, chief executive officer of Singtel Singapore, said: “We’ve built a strong 5G foundation for Singapore and turned advanced network capabilities into services that benefit our customers.” Ng said that as AI becomes more embedded in how people live and work, networks will need to support far more complex applications, from autonomous machines and real-time analytics to the AI tools people use every day. He said Singtel’s priority is to make these capabilities more widely accessible and commercially viable while continuing to strengthen the reliability, security and performance of its network.

Daniel Ode, head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei and Philippines and Global Customer Unit Singtel, said: “Singapore continues to set the benchmark for digital infrastructure and forward-thinking government policy.” Ode said that by combining 5G, 5G Advanced and AI-native operational capabilities, the partners are scaling programmable, differentiated connectivity, and that Ericsson is working with Singtel to translate shared infrastructure milestones into what he described as high-value outcomes for businesses and consumers.

Existing 5G Deployments

The agreement builds on years of collaboration that produced what the companies describe as one of the world’s first nationwide 5G standalone networks and brought network slicing and differentiated connectivity services to market for both enterprises and consumers.

Singtel launched Singapore’s first 5G standalone network in 2021 and achieved over 95% nationwide 5G standalone coverage in 2022, three years ahead of regulatory targets, according to the announcement. Singtel’s 5G+ network, enhanced by the deployment of 700 MHz spectrum, has improved coverage by up to 40%, particularly in indoor locations, the companies report.

In 2025, Singtel introduced 5G+ service tiers that use network slicing to provide enhanced and priority connectivity, delivering faster speeds and more consistent performance in crowded locations for activities such as video calls, streaming and gaming. At PSA Singapore’s Tuas Port, 5G network slicing supports secure, low-latency communications for automated guided vehicles, cranes and other port systems, enabling real-time coordination of port operations.

More recently, Singtel and Ericsson introduced technology supporting peak uplink speeds of up to 250 Mbps on compatible newer devices, which the companies state enables faster transmission of high-definition video and other data-intensive content for applications such as live streaming, remote monitoring and AI-powered video analytics.

Enterprise, Consumer and Network Operations Plans

Over the next five years, the partners will prioritize the wider commercial deployment of advanced connectivity solutions for industries where network performance affects operational efficiency, productivity and safety. Building on existing deployments, Singtel will extend network slicing and programmable connectivity to support more sophisticated AI-powered applications, including autonomous vehicles, industrial robotics, smart manufacturing and intelligent logistics, according to the announcement. The companies state these technologies require dedicated network capacity, low latency and predictable performance so that connected machines, sensors and AI systems can operate and respond in real time.

The partners will also explore opportunities at major infrastructure and industrial developments, including Changi Airport Terminal 5, Bulim Square and upcoming JTC developments. Potential applications range from autonomous mobility and intelligent inspection systems to real-time video analytics and remote monitoring, which the companies state can help businesses improve productivity, operational efficiency and safety.

For consumers, the collaboration will build on Singtel’s existing 5G+ offerings to deliver faster, more responsive connectivity and introduce services tailored to evolving digital lifestyles. Citing growing demand for stronger uplink performance as consumers create and share high-definition content, make video calls and use AI-powered applications, the companies said they will continue enhancing these capabilities while exploring flexible, on-demand connectivity options that allow customers to access higher network performance when needed.

Singtel and Ericsson will also explore the progressive integration of AI into network operations, using AI and machine learning to better predict traffic patterns, optimize network resources and identify potential performance issues earlier. The companies state that as AI applications become more widespread, networks will increasingly need to support larger volumes of data moving in both directions, more connected devices and applications requiring near-instant responses. With greater automation deployed across radio and core networks, Singtel aims to improve operational efficiency, optimize energy consumption and strengthen service assurance across its networks, according to the announcement.