Telecom giant Orange has once again chosen Ericsson as its managed services provider (MSP) in five countries and will also deploy the Ericsson Operations Engine. The AI-based engine for managed services provides automation by transforming telecom operations into a data-driven, predictive and proactive model. Orange plans to take advantage of machine learning and AI to improve customer service, increase efficiencies and reduce its operational costs.
Orange will use Ericsson MSP services in Belgium, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia and Spain to support around 40 million customers over the next three years. Through the deal, which can be extended to five years, Ericsson will offer managed end-to-end operations services including network operations, field support and maintenance. The MSP deal will also include a spare parts management service covering Orange’s fixed-line access as well as 2G, 3G, 4G and future 5G access. Optional components of the contract include management of network performance, optimization and network expansion, which will be delivered in some of the countries.
"Our AI-based Ericsson Operations Engine will enable Orange to focus even more on providing innovative solutions and delivering high-quality services for its customers, whilst at the same time improving operational efficiency,” said Peter Laurin, senior vice president and head of business area managed services at Ericsson. “We are proud that Orange has renewed its confidence in our support missions and advanced automation tools allowing Orange to further enhance the customer experience for its subscribers and to bring further efficiencies.”
The Ericsson Operations Engine uses AI to enhance the subscriber user experience. It is designed to specifically address the complexities telecom providers face as they transition toward 5G and IoT, through automation and machine learning. The solution offers a service-centric business model based on outcomes, and uses AI and data insights to address the customer experience, revenue growth and improving efficiencies. It also provides end-to-end capabilities, using AI-based design to inform planning and optimization, application development and dynamic deployments, collaborative innovation and data-driven operations.
“Networks are quickly becoming significantly more complex to operate as we introduce IoT and 5G at scale, and virtualize core networks, while aiming to enhance user experience at the same time,” said Laurin. “The Ericsson Operations Engine enables us to create sustainable differentiation for our managed services customers as it evolves operations from being network-centric to user experience-centric. It fundamentally changes our way of operating networks from reactive to proactive, leveraging data, automation and artificial intelligence.”
To offer more insight on the intersection of managed services with AI and machine learning technologies and operational models, TMC is hosting its MSP Expo in Fort Lauderdale, FL from February 12-14. The event will enable MSPs to share strategies for driving recurring revenues, growing their networks and offering better customer service. It will also evaluate a variety of technologies, including those driven by AI, machine learning and automation.
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
