Building on a heritage of investment spanning more than 50 years in Athlone, tech giant Ericsson plans to advance global 5G network innovation from its long-standing Shannon-side base.
Communications giant Ericsson has revealed a €200m investment over the next three years in research, development and innovation at its Athlone facility in Ireland.
This strategic investment, supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, will accelerate the development of open network management and automation capabilities critical for 5G networks worldwide.
“The investment strengthens the long-term legacy of Ericsson in Ireland, building on the success of past investments spanning more than 50 years”
The project will focus on developing world-leading capabilities for managing high-performing, open programmable networks. These innovations will enable communications service providers (CSPs) to improve operational efficiency and accelerate the global deployment of 5G Standalone connectivity through differentiated offerings.
“Ericsson’s €200m announcement at their Athlone facility is fantastic news,” said Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke, TD.
“Their innovative R&D project, which will span a duration of three years, will improve efficiency in 5G networks globally. Ericsson have been established in Ireland for decades, with the Athlone facility a significant employer and an integral part of the fabric of the community for over 50 years.”
AI-powered network management
At the centre of this investment is the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), which is largely designed at the Athlone site. The platform provides an open environment for developing and running applications to automate radio access network management and optimization.
The investment aims to deliver next-generation capabilities with Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and advanced analytics. These technologies will help CSPs improve network performance, accelerate innovation cycles, and reduce costs through autonomous network operations.
With broad ecosystem support, this open framework for application development aims to accelerate Radio Access Network (RAN) innovation through collaboration across an expanding partner network.
“Ericsson has a long history and deep roots in Ireland spanning more than 50 years,” explained Denis Dullea, head of Ericsson’s Athlone site and Network Management Engineering Unit.
“This €200m investment, supported by the IDA and Irish government, is a testament to our commitment to Ireland and confidence in our exceptional talent here. By delivering on this cutting-edge project, we’re both investing in Ireland’s future and empowering mobile operators worldwide.”
Strategic hub for technological innovation
The substantial investment reinforces Ireland’s position as a strategic hub for technological innovation and underlines Ericsson’s commitment to the country.
Ericsson currently employs more than 1,300 people in Ireland, with the Athlone facility serving as the company’s designated centre of excellence for intelligent network management.
Ericsson and IDA Ireland have maintained a longstanding relationship since IDA provided Ericsson with its current building when the company came to Athlone in 1974. The facility brings together global talent and pioneering technology to transform network management for Ericsson’s worldwide customer base.
Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA, added: “Ericsson’s ambitious programme is strongly aligned with the key growth drivers of IDA Ireland’s new strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustained Growth and Innovation. The investment strengthens the long-term legacy of Ericsson in Ireland, building on the success of past investments spanning more than 50 years.”
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