Telkomsel Partners with Ericsson to Advance 5G Far Edge Core Solutions

Telkomsel, Indonesia’s leading digital telecommunications provider, has established a strategic collaboration with Ericsson to introduce Far Edge Core Solutions and advance talent development focused on 5G advanced technology, AI-driven networks, cloud-native architecture, and related digital innovations. This collaboration was officially marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Barcelona on March 3, 2025, coinciding with the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025.

As part of this partnership, both parties have agreed to explore and implement Far Edge Core Solutions based on Cloud Native Infrastructure (CNIS) to enhance network performance, flexibility, and scalability while supporting future 5G and edge computing use cases.

This partnership will also explore the possible deployment of Ericsson’s core network cloud-native functions (CNF) at the network’s far edge, hosted by Ericsson Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution at those edge sites – which as a combination is referred to here as the far edge sore solution. This includes functions such as Packet Core Gateway (PCG), part of the Ericsson dual mode 5G Core solution, which enables 5G Standalone (SA) capabilities, including network slicing. Network slicing allows subscribers and enterprises to have dedicated, secure, and high-performance connectivity tailored to their specific requirements.

Additionally, an assessment of cloud-native functions (CNFs) implementation will be conducted to support dynamic, scalable, and automated service deployments in Telkomsel’s infrastructure. The transition from NFVI to cloud-native infrastructure, enabling CNFs, marks a significant shift in Telkomsel’s network evolution. This technology allows Telkomsel to ultimately enhancing customer experience through 5G-Advanced technology and high-speed broadband connectivity.

As part of this collaboration, the far edge core solution will undergo a trial in selected Telkomsel network locations to evaluate its operational feasibility, resource efficiency, and compatibility with the existing cloud-native ecosystem. The trial also aims to support edge computing development within Telkomsel’s 5G customer eco system, facilitating broader applications across various sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation.

Under this collaboration, Ericsson will also provide Telkomsel with access to specialized knowledge sharing and talent development, focusing on 5G advance technology, its applications, related digital innovations, as well as AI-driven networks and cloud-native architectures. This initiative aims to ensure that Telkomsel’s workforce remains leading and at the forefront of the telecommunications industry.

Telkomsel remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable national digital ecosystem through technological innovations and digital talent development. Through this partnership with Ericsson, we are implementing Far Edge solutions to enhance network efficiency and accelerate 5G adoption while also preparing human resources through talent development initiatives that equip them with the latest technological expertise. This collaboration aligns with Telkomsel’s vision of accelerating Indonesia’s progress, creating a better today, and a brighter future.

– Indra Mardiatna, Director Network, Telkomsel

Ericsson is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Telkomsel to bring Far Edge Core Solutions to 5G networks and drive talent development across various technology innovations. We believe this collaboration will accelerate digital transformation in Indonesia, particularly in the telecommunications sector.

– Krishna Patil, President Director of Indonesia and Timor Leste, Ericsson

Ericsson itself has already demonstrated its leadership in core networks through its partnership with Telkomsel in deploying 5G Standalone (SA) and advanced technologies like network slicing. Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core  solution has been instrumental in enabling Telkomsel to transition seamlessly from previous generation of core network (Evolved Packet Core, supporting 4G and 5G Non-standalone) to a complete 5G SA network, ensuring a future-proof and high-performance infrastructure.

A standout achievement was the first-ever live broadcast of Indonesia’s Independence Day ceremony in Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), which was made possible over a dedicated 5G SA network slice. This demonstrates Ericsson’s ability to deliver high-performance, secure, and reliable 5G solutions. Furthermore, the network performance and reliability achieved by Telkomsel since the integration of Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and the enablement of network slicing, in Telkomsel’s network highlights Ericsson’s capability to provide flexible, high-capacity, and secure connectivity that supports new business and service models such as smart city initiatives and accelerates nationwide digital transformation.

Ericsson has 130+ unique 5G Core or cloud native commercial contracts, with 60+ live dual-mode 5G Core solution customers (including EPC, 5G NSA and 5G SA live customers). Ericsson currently powers 41 of the world’s 60+ commercially live 5G SA networks, with its RAN solutions and the cloud-native Ericsson dual-mode 5G Core solution.

Through this strategic collaboration, Telkomsel and Ericsson reaffirm their commitment to advancing next-generation network innovation and developing globally competitive digital talent while delivering an enhanced digital experience for customers.