Orange taps Ericsson to bring machine learning, AI to networks ops

In an extension of its current managed services contract, Orange has re-selected Ericsson as its managed services provider (MSP) in Belgium, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain, supporting around 40 million customers.

Under the teams of the three-year contract that can be extended to five years, Ericsson will provide a fully managed end-to-end operations service to assist the telco to transform its operations.

The package will include network operations, field support and maintenance, as well as a spare parts service management for Orange’s fixed-line access, 2G, 3G, 4G and future 5G networks. Network performance, optimisation and network expansion are optional components and will be delivered in only some of the countries.

The deal will also see the deployment of the Ericsson Operations Engine, an artificial intelligence-driven operating model to enhance subscribers’ user experience.

The AI-based managed services model is designed to allow firms to transform operations by becoming data-driven, predictive and proactive. The automation tools are attributed with the ability to allow Orange to increase operational network efficiency and further enhance customer experiences for its subscribers across the five countries.

Orange expects the use of the machine learning and artificial intelligence technology to enable the quality of its customer service, reduced operation costs and increase efficiency.