Android 14 to Feature Ericsson’s Network Slicing Capability for Improved 5G Performance

Android 14 to Feature Ericsson’s Network Slicing Capability for Improved 5G Performance

(IN BRIEF) Ericsson has partnered with Android to introduce a new feature in the upcoming Android 14 release that allows users to request a dedicated 5G network slice for improved performance during specific times for supported applications. Enabled by the latest Ericsson core network version and Android software, this functionality gives consumers the option to enhance their application experience through a 5G network slice provided by their communications service provider (CSP). The feature builds upon existing support for network slicing in Android 12 and higher versions. Users can choose to enhance performance for all applications or specific ones, and CSPs determine the characteristics, duration, and availability of the network slice. The functionality is supported by Ericsson’s User-Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP) technology and advanced capabilities in their 5G Core network.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 7-Jul-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company, in collaboration with Android, is set to unveil a new feature in the upcoming release of Android 14 that will allow users to request a dedicated 5G network slice for enhanced performance during specific times for any application capable of utilizing a 5G network slice provided by their communications service provider (CSP).

This functionality, enabled by the latest Ericsson core network version and the latest Android version, empowers service providers to offer their consumer subscribers the option of improved application performance through a 5G network slice as part of their 5G Standalone subscription plans.

Android devices running on Android 12 or higher already support 5G network slicing. Starting from Android 13, app developers have been able to incorporate functions and capabilities into their applications to align with specific network characteristics (such as lower latency or higher bandwidth) offered by CSP-provisioned network slices. If the CSP provides a slice with the desired characteristics and the application includes support for utilizing the slice, subscribers can purchase access to it for a unique 5G experience. Since Android introduced network slicing capability, Ericsson and its partners have successfully executed multiple pioneering network slicing projects utilizing the Android device ecosystem.

The latest announcement introduces an added level of flexibility to network slicing on Android devices, enabling subscribers to request the provisioning of a slice for a limited time according to their subscription plan. This enhanced performance slice empowers CSPs and developers to adapt applications to better suit the needs of subscribers and users, ensuring they have the desired experience at their fingertips.

Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Core Networks, Ericsson says: “Enhancing network slicing with this on-demand functionality gives communications service providers wider choices and more flexibility when it comes to developing new and exciting services for consumer subscribers. As well as this, it simplifies onboarding of subscribers to experience the true value of 5G. Ericsson has been driving superior service experience and also 5G monetization from the get-go.”

The characteristics and availability of the 5G network slice, as well as other related elements such as duration, cost, and availability, will be determined and provisioned by CSPs offering this premium feature as part of the subscriber’s plan. Depending on the functionalities integrated by developers, CSPs could enable users to choose, for example, a performance enhancement for all applications on their device, continuous enhanced performance for supported applications, or additional performance upon launching a specific application (e.g., a mobile game).

This functionality is supported on the device side by User-Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP) technology, which enables devices to dynamically select a CSP-provisioned slice or multiple slices. On the network side, it is facilitated by enhancements in the Ericsson 5G Core network, specifically through improved capabilities in Ericsson Cloud User Management, Policy Control and Service Activation, and Secure Entitlement Server (SES). These advancements enable CSPs to inform subscribers about terms and conditions, pricing details, payment methods, and other relevant information. Additionally, they assist in managing subscriber eligibility, quality of service control, time validity, and subscription updates as required.

MORE INFORMATION AT:
Ericsson Newsroom
media.relations@ericsson.com  (+46 10 719 69 92)
investor.relations@ericsson.com  (+46 10 719 00 00)

SOURCE:  Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson