Singapore – Singtel and Ericsson have signed a five-year strategic partnership to scale 5G Advanced and AI-powered network capabilities in Singapore, the companies announced. The deal extends a collaboration the two firms announced in March 2026.
The agreement sets out a longer-term roadmap for supporting AI and autonomous applications. It also covers network capabilities designed to anticipate demand, optimise performance and strengthen service reliability, according to the companies.
Alongside the announcement, the companies cited a live-network trial of AI-powered radio access network capabilities, which they say delivered a 19% improvement in throughput. They add that the result points to AI’s potential to optimise network resources and manage growing traffic demand more efficiently.
Mr Ng Tian Chong, Chief Executive Officer, Singtel Singapore, said, “We’ve built a strong 5G foundation for Singapore and turned advanced network capabilities into services that benefit our customers. But the demands on connectivity are changing rapidly. As AI becomes more embedded in how we live and work, networks will need to support far more complex applications, from autonomous machines and real-time analytics to the AI tools people use every day.”
“Our priority is to make these capabilities more widely accessible and commercially viable, while continuing to strengthen the reliability, security and performance of our network. Through this partnership we’re ensuring Singapore’s connectivity infrastructure continues to evolve alongside the needs of its people and businesses, supporting new opportunities for innovation and growth in the AI era,” Chong further explained.
Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei and Philippines and Global Customer Unit Singtel, says, “Singapore continues to set the benchmark for digital infrastructure and forward-thinking government policy. Through this renewed five-year partnership, Ericsson is working closely with Singtel to translate our shared infrastructure milestones into high-value outcomes for businesses and consumers alike.”
“By combining 5G, 5G Advanced, and AI-native operational capabilities, we are scaling programmable, differentiated connectivity to support Singapore’s digital ambitions, unlock new opportunities for critical industries and enhance everyday digital experiences,” Ode continued.
The partnership follows several years of joint work on the island’s 5G infrastructure. Singtel launched Singapore’s first 5G standalone network in 2021 and, by 2022, had passed 95% nationwide standalone coverage, which it says was three years ahead of regulatory targets.
Since then, Singtel says it has added capabilities to improve network performance. Deploying 700 MHz spectrum on its 5G+ network, for instance, has lifted coverage by up to 40%, particularly indoors.
On the consumer side, Singtel introduced 5G+ service tiers in 2025 that use network slicing to provide enhanced and priority connectivity. The operator says these tiers deliver faster speeds and more consistent performance in crowded locations.
In the enterprise segment, network slicing at PSA Singapore’s Tuas Port supports secure, low-latency communications for automated guided vehicles, cranes and other port systems. As a result, operators can coordinate activity across the terminal in real time.
More recently, the two companies introduced network enhancements that support peak uplink speeds of up to 250 Mbps on compatible newer devices. The faster uplink is intended for data-intensive uses such as live streaming, remote monitoring and AI-powered video analytics.
Looking ahead, the partners will prioritise wider commercial deployment of advanced connectivity for industries where network performance affects efficiency, productivity and safety. Singtel will extend network slicing and programmable connectivity to support AI-powered applications such as autonomous vehicles, industrial robotics, smart manufacturing and intelligent logistics.
Such applications require dedicated network capacity, low latency and predictable performance so that connected machines, sensors and AI systems can respond in real time.
The partners will also explore opportunities at major infrastructure and industrial developments, including Changi Airport Terminal 5, Bulim Square and upcoming JTC developments. Potential uses range from autonomous mobility and intelligent inspection systems to real-time video analytics and remote monitoring.
For consumers, Singtel and Ericsson plan to build on existing 5G+ offerings with stronger uplink performance and more responsive connectivity. They will also explore flexible, on-demand options that let customers access higher network performance when needed.
On the network side, the companies will explore the progressive integration of AI into operations. They expect AI and machine learning to help predict traffic patterns, optimise network resources and identify potential performance issues earlier.
With greater automation across its radio and core networks, Singtel aims to improve operational efficiency, optimise energy consumption and strengthen service assurance.
