BT Group Enhances Network Cloud Platform with Ericsson 5G Core Upgrades and Dynamic Network Slicing Capabilities

BT Group Enhances Network Cloud Platform with Ericsson 5G Core Upgrades and Dynamic Network Slicing Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) BT Group and Ericsson have renewed and expanded their partnership to enhance BT’s 5G core network capabilities with new 5G Standalone functions, including the Network Slice Selection Function and Network Exposure Function. These technologies will enable dynamic network slicing and secure network APIs, allowing UK businesses to access more predictable, flexible and programmable connectivity services. The upgraded dual-mode 5G Core will continue to run on BT’s Network Cloud and will include advanced automation and analytics capabilities. The collaboration supports BT’s strategy to develop a more intelligent network platform while enabling new services and business models for enterprises.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 2-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — BT Group has extended and broadened its partnership with Ericsson to further develop its 5G core network capabilities, building on the existing deployment of Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core solution on BT’s Network Cloud. The expanded agreement introduces new technologies designed to provide UK businesses with more secure, predictable and intelligent connectivity while supporting BT’s vision of a flexible and programmable network platform.

As part of the renewed collaboration, BT will implement two key 5G Standalone core network functions: the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) and the Network Exposure Function (NEF). These additions are intended to support a more adaptable network environment capable of delivering consistent performance for critical services, enabling faster innovation through secure interfaces, and allowing customers to tailor connectivity to specific operational requirements.

The introduction of NSSF will enhance BT’s ability to manage network slicing by automatically assigning users to the most appropriate network slice based on conditions such as location, time of day, subscription type, traffic levels and application needs. The function also enables real-time adjustments to slice allocation, allowing network traffic to be redistributed if congestion occurs. This dynamic approach is expected to support consistent service performance even as network conditions change.

By deploying NSSF, BT aims to advance toward fully dynamic, application-aware network slicing. This capability could allow organizations to separate critical and non-critical services onto dedicated slices, improving reliability and service assurance. For example, healthcare providers could allocate separate network resources for emergency vehicles, patient monitoring systems and staff communications to ensure priority handling of essential services.

The Network Exposure Function will enable BT to provide secure, standardized application programming interfaces that allow customers and developers to integrate network capabilities directly into digital services. Through these APIs, BT’s network will function as a programmable platform supporting new business models, services and partnerships.

Interest in network programmability continues to grow as organizations seek to incorporate connectivity features more closely into their digital operations. BT has already demonstrated this approach through its involvement in the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, where CAMARA-certified APIs such as SIM-Swap and Know Your Customer have been used to support fraud prevention. NEF will extend these capabilities by allowing developers to access functions such as quality-of-service management and device authentication without requiring specialized telecom expertise.

Potential applications include logistics systems that request low-latency connectivity for vehicles in specific locations or financial services applications that use real-time device verification to strengthen transaction security.

Greg McCall, Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT Group, said the renewed agreement with Ericsson supports BT’s strategy of transforming its network into a more intelligent and adaptable platform. He noted that the new capabilities provide important building blocks for future connectivity services and will help BT respond to evolving customer requirements.

Luca Orsini, Head of Ericsson North Europe, said the expanded cooperation strengthens the foundation for programmable networks capable of supporting growing demand from businesses and developers. He highlighted that network APIs represent a rapidly growing opportunity and said the collaboration will help BT unlock new value from its network capabilities.

The agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between BT and Ericsson across both core network and radio access network infrastructure. Recent milestones in the partnership include deployment of Advanced RAN Coordination technology and rollout of next-generation Massive MIMO equipment to improve network capacity in high-demand areas.

The enhanced dual-mode 5G Core deployment will continue to operate on BT’s Network Cloud platform, supported by advanced orchestration and automation tools. Integration with Ericsson Expert Analytics will provide detailed insights into network and service performance, enabling BT to proactively maintain service quality.

About BT Group

BT Group is the UK’s leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications and related secure digital products, solutions and services.

BT Group consists of four customer-facing units: Consumer serves individuals and families in the UK; Business covers companies and public services in the UK; International serves multinational organisations headquartered outside the UK and overseas public sector customers; Openreach is an independently governed, wholly owned subsidiary wholesaling fixed access infrastructure services to its customers – over 700 communications providers across the UK.

British Telecommunications plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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SOURCE: British Telecommunications