Combining ixi-O with Ericsson's Network Expertise to Expand into the Global AI Communications Market
LG Uplus announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a strategic partnership with global telecommunications equipment provider Ericsson to jointly develop network-based Voice AI solutions, advance AI Native Network technologies, and expand into global AI communications markets.
The collaboration aims to transform artificial intelligence from an application-level service into a core function embedded within telecommunications networks, paving the way for a new generation of AI-driven communication services.
The two companies will establish a long-term partnership covering technology development, commercialization, and global business expansion. They plan to complete proof-of-concept (PoC) testing within this year.
The strategic cooperation follows discussions held during LG Uplus CEO Hong Bum-sik's visit to Ericsson's headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 14. Under the agreement, the companies will jointly pursue the development and system integration of network-based Voice AI, global commercialization of Voice AI solutions, AI Native Network architecture design and implementation, and validation across multiple global cloud environments.
At the center of the collaboration is the integration of LG Uplus' commercial Voice AI service, ixi-O, with Ericsson's world-class telecommunications network technologies. The partners aim to evolve AI services from device-centric applications into network-native intelligence capable of delivering seamless AI experiences regardless of the user's device or operating system.
As generative AI continues to reshape digital interactions, industry attention is increasingly focused on the emergence of "Zero UI," where users interact with services naturally through voice rather than traditional graphical interfaces. Network-based Voice AI is expected to become a key enabling technology by providing AI services directly through telecommunications networks instead of relying solely on smartphones or operating systems.
LG Uplus plans to embed AI into the core of its communication infrastructure, allowing customers to access AI capabilities without launching separate applications. Future services may include AI screening unwanted calls, connecting only important calls, and providing real-time assistance during conversations through intelligent voice agents.
The companies also envision an AI Agent era in which AI glasses, humanoid robots, and other intelligent devices are seamlessly connected through a unified network capable of understanding user intent and executing tasks autonomously.
Beyond customer-facing AI services, the partnership also focuses on AI Native Networks that can autonomously monitor network conditions, optimize performance and energy efficiency, and automate fault management and service quality control.
LG Uplus plans to simultaneously advance its "Network for AI" and "AI for Network" strategies, creating an intelligent communications infrastructure optimized for the AI era while strengthening its competitiveness in the global telecommunications market.
"By combining LG Uplus' Voice AI expertise accumulated through ixi-O with Ericsson's global network technologies, we aim to introduce intelligent network-based Voice AI services to customers around the world," said Hong Bum-sik, CEO of LG Uplus. "This partnership will accelerate our global Voice AI business while enabling AI Native Network technologies to enhance customer experiences and support our long-term growth."
Per Narvinger, Incoming President of Ericsson, said, "AI Native Networks will become a fundamental technology platform for the future growth of the telecommunications industry. Through our collaboration with LG Uplus, we will enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency while creating new global business opportunities based on network-based Voice AI solutions and AI Native Network technologies."
