Microsoft cloud provides the brawn
Ericsson of Sweden and Ooredoo Qatar are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make 5G fit the expectations of the Qatari population. They are using Ericsson Cognitive Software to fine tune the connectivity between Microsoft’s cloud data centre and the devices of the customers.
Ooredoo is one of the first users of Ericsson’s new optimization system, which uses digital twinning and deep reinforcement learning to analyse the Radio Access Network (RAN).This instantly resolves specific network performance issues and makes constant balancing tweaks that ensure peak network performance and user engagement while minimising running costs.
Ericsson AI experts, data scientists and customer engagement experts are working with Ooredoo Qatar’s network engineers to create and market a multitude of use cases based on variables such as better mobile broadband reliability, network speeds, minimal latency and data capacity. The system finds out the needs of the consumer, whether they are ‘low volume high velocity’ IoT types, or high screen resolution blockbuster scale movie streamers – and works out the requisite quality of service needed.
“Qatar’s telecoms industry has taken years to reach this major milestone,” said Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief Commercial Officer at Ooredoo Qatar. “Together with Ericsson we are working bring 5G to millions, networking them at remarkably high speeds, low latency and large capacity.”
Artificial Intelligence is the Ageeli on the Bundt cake that is the Ooredoo network infrastructure with its layers of network enhancements. “We focused our efforts on supporting Ooredoo Qatar and in providing top-notch performance,” said Kevin Murphy, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Levant. “Since we began operations in Qatar, we have been committed to enhancing the nation’s cellular infrastructure and fostering an environment that drives innovation and technological adoption to support Qatar’s national agenda.”
With the processing power of Microsoft cloud at their disposal telecom operators can transition to a more flexible and scalable model, said Masroor Hamid, Telecom Sector Lead at Microsoft Qatar. The cloud can drive down infrastructure cost if you use AI and machine learning to automate operations and create service differentiation, Hamid advised. “Through our hyperscale datacentre in Qatar, Ooredoo Qatar and Ericsson are enabling organizations across industries to rapidly innovate with new 5G services,” said Hamid.
The Ericsson Performance Optimizers suite is part of the Cognitive Software pack in Ericsson Operations Engine. It can be implemented through licensing, software as a service (SaaS) or as part of services packs.