Telia, T-Mobile and SoftBank Corp. partner with Ericsson, Microsoft and Thales to demonstrate always-on 5G
Three network operators and three vendors worked together to demonstrate how a Windows 11 laptop can switch between 5G networks and maintain optimal connectivity. Typically, users must manually select a specific network and enter a PIN to authenticate access. This process repeats every time the laptop is restarted.
This trial of Ericsson’s Virtual Cellular Network (EVCN) will automatically and seamlessly switch between networks as users move between locations, including traveling to another country. The goal is to improve the productivity of employees, many of whom have adopted hybrid work patterns, and simplify the management of always-on connectivity for businesses.
EVCN will be jointly demonstrated at MWC’s Ericsson Hall by Microsoft, SoftBank, T-Mobile, Telia, and Thales.
Trials across three continents
In this experiment, Ericsson employees use Windows 11 PCs as they travel between Stockholm, New York, Seattle, and Tokyo, switching between networks operated by Telia, T-Mobile, and SoftBank.
Microsoft’s Intune Mobile Device Manager was used to bulk activate built-in Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) profile groups with local 5G connectivity provisioned according to employee demographics and data usage. Ta.
For businesses deploying this solution, EVCN automatically manages and controls the ordering, downloading, and activation of multiple eSIM profiles.of
Ian LeGrow, Corporate Vice President of Core OS Innovation at Microsoft, commented: “Network and device provisioning, connectivity optimization, and policy-based management are all enabled through this service, which enables employees to be more productive and connected across the applications, enterprise systems, and resources they need. It provides a unique experience.”
Magnus Leonhardt, Head of Strategy and Innovation for B2B Business at Telia Sweden, explains: His standardized 5G technology provides unparalleled quality of service with comprehensive connectivity to support new working needs at the office, at home and on the go. ”
In a way, it’s the mobile equivalent of OpenRoaming for Wi-Fi, and it complements it. This standard was developed by the Wireless Broadband Alliance to automate connections to public Wi-Fi. If the user has the correct ID on his device, he does not need to select a service set identifier (SSID) or enter his email address or other personal data. Wi-Fi often provides better indoor coverage than 5G.