Ericsson Becomes Founding Premier Member of OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation to Advance Open RAN and Future 6G Innovation

Ericsson Becomes Founding Premier Member of OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation to Advance Open RAN and Future 6G Innovation

(IN BRIEF) Ericsson has joined the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation as a founding premier member under the Linux Foundation, reinforcing its involvement in open-source development for next-generation radio access networks. The initiative focuses on creating an open and portable CU/DU software stack that supports interoperable RAN architectures and advances wireless innovation in the United States. Ericsson will contribute architectural expertise, support technology-neutral development, and participate in collaborative research with industry, government, and academic partners. The foundation is intended to support both commercial and defense uses of advanced wireless technologies and aligns with U.S. initiatives aimed at strengthening leadership in 5G and future 6G development. Ericsson’s participation also reflects the company’s broader strategy to support AI-enabled networks and open RAN ecosystems.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 2-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson has become a founding premier member of the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation, an initiative hosted by the Linux Foundation that focuses on advancing open-source software for next-generation radio access networks. Through this role, Ericsson will also participate on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, contributing to strategic direction and technical development.

The OCUDU initiative is designed to strengthen wireless innovation in the United States by developing a portable and open CU/DU software platform that supports advanced RAN functionality. The project aims to create a flexible software environment that can support future wireless technologies while encouraging interoperability and collaboration across the telecommunications sector.

As a founding member, Ericsson will provide architectural expertise and help ensure that the software framework remains technology-neutral and open. The company will collaborate with network operators, public-sector organizations, universities, and technology companies to advance research and experimentation in next-generation wireless systems. Ericsson’s involvement builds on its extensive experience in deploying large-scale networks across commercial, enterprise, and government environments and supports ongoing industry efforts to evolve from 5G toward AI-driven 6G networks.

The OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation is expected to play a role in supporting both commercial and defense-related applications by enabling adaptable use of 5G technologies in specialized environments. The initiative aligns with U.S. efforts to modernize communications infrastructure by moving away from proprietary legacy systems toward secure, open, and programmable architectures. These developments are intended to support stronger security standards while enabling scalable deployment of artificial intelligence within telecommunications networks.

Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director for the Department of War’s FutureG Office, stated that OCUDU is building a foundational software layer that will support future wireless networks capable of delivering commercial-grade connectivity for both public and defense applications. He emphasized that partnerships with industry participants such as Ericsson will support development of an open, AI-enabled software ecosystem and enable rapid deployment of advanced network capabilities.

Erik Ekudden, Ericsson’s Group Chief Technology Officer, said the company’s participation reflects its commitment to open collaboration and secure network technologies. He noted that Ericsson will work with other members of the foundation to promote open RAN development and accelerate innovation in AI-enabled 5G networks and future AI-native 6G systems.

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SOURCE: Ericsson