Carriers team up to build voice AI running on telecom networks

ixi-O service experience to merge with Ericsson's network capabilities

Partnership aims to secure growth through AI-native network architecture

LG Uplus President Hong Bum-sik (right) and Ericsson President Börje Ekholm pose for a photo. [LG Uplus]
LG Uplus President Hong Bum-sik (right) and Ericsson President Börje Ekholm pose for a photo. [LG Uplus]

LG Uplus will partner with Ericsson to develop a network-based voice AI solution, with plans to expand the technology into global markets and build next-generation telecom services in which AI operates as a core component of the communications network.

LG Uplus announced Tuesday that it will pursue a strategic partnership with Ericsson covering network-based voice AI solution development, joint global business initiatives and the evolution toward an AI-native network.

The two companies will collaborate on four fronts: technology development and system integration for network-based voice AI; joint pursuit of global business opportunities for the voice AI solution; design and implementation of an AI-native network architecture; and pre-validation of the voice AI solution across various global cloud environments.

The companies plan to combine LG Uplus's commercial service experience and AI technology from its AI call agent ixi-O with Ericsson's global network technology capabilities. Through this collaboration, they aim to complete technical validation within the year and deliver telecom services in which AI is embedded as a core element of the network.

LG Uplus highlighted voice AI's ability to connect people and AI naturally without being tied to a specific device or operating system. The company said this aligns with a broader shift in user experience toward "Zero UI" — an interface paradigm in which users convey their intent through voice alone.

LG Uplus envisions integrating AI into the network layer itself, developing it into a fundamental building block of the communications infrastructure. The goal is to create an environment in which customers can seamlessly access the AI functions they need, backed by a carrier-grade, high-quality voice network.

LG Uplus President Hong Bum-sik (back row, sixth from left), Ericsson President Börje Ekholm (back row, seventh from left) and Ericsson President-designate Per Narvinger (front row, third from left) pose with executives from both companies at the signing ceremony held at Ericsson's headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. [LG Uplus]
LG Uplus President Hong Bum-sik (back row, sixth from left), Ericsson President Börje Ekholm (back row, seventh from left) and Ericsson President-designate Per Narvinger (front row, third from left) pose with executives from both companies at the signing ceremony held at Ericsson's headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. [LG Uplus]

LG Uplus expects the service to accelerate the arrival of a full-fledged "AI agent era," in which AI acts on behalf of users. In practice, AI would handle unwanted calls, connect only important ones and provide secretarial support during calls. The company also foresees AI glasses, humanoid robots and other AI devices connecting organically within a single network.

LG Uplus and Ericsson plan to work together to evolve the network beyond a simple conduit for voice and data into an intelligence platform that understands user intent and connects AI functions.

The two companies will also expand cooperation in the AI-native network space, using AI to enable networks to autonomously recognize operating conditions, optimize performance and energy use, and automate fault response and service quality management.

LG Uplus plans to simultaneously realize a "Network for AI" and "AI for Network" — building a global reference case for making carrier networks more intelligent.

The partnership was discussed when LG Uplus President Hong Bum-sik and other executives visited Ericsson's headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 14 (local time). The two companies intend to establish a medium- to long-term cooperation framework that moves from technical review to global commercialization.

"We will combine LG Uplus's voice AI service experience accumulated through ixi-O with Ericsson's global network technology capabilities to bring a network-based voice AI to the global market — one that delivers an intelligent and convenient communications experience," Hong said. "Through this partnership, we will give concrete shape to our global voice AI business and ensure that AI-native network technology contributes to LG Uplus's medium- to long-term growth and customer experience innovation."


chami@heraldcorp.com