Saudi Arabian operator Mobily and Ericsson have signed two memorandums of understanding at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh to advance AI-powered RAN capabilities and raise network autonomy to Level 4 in key scenarios. The agreements span both the radio access layer and the operational processes used to manage the network.
Under the first MoU, the companies will explore the use of artificial intelligence in RAN software functions running across RAN compute, radio units and active antenna systems. The work will also cover centralized AI use cases enabled by rApps on Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform. As part of the deal, Mobily will join the EIAP ecosystem, gaining access to a community of software vendors, developers and ecosystem partners that can contribute applications for network requirements in Saudi Arabia.
Mobily says more intelligent, automated and responsive network operations will help build a foundation for future AI-native services and advanced digital experiences, including AR/VR, autonomous vehicles and physical AI. The companies say AI RAN capabilities should deliver intelligence and automation across the network, from the RAN edge to centralized operations.
The second MoU focuses on boosting Mobily’s network operations and optimization with the goal of achieving Level 4 network autonomy in key use cases. Ericsson will help the operator prepare and implement autonomous network scenarios using Ericsson Operations Engine, building on the existing operating model that has supported Mobily’s operational development in recent years.
The planned use cases include operations automation, self-healing, optimization and energy management across Mobily’s multi-vendor network environment, with an emphasis on AI-enabled and goal-based autonomous operations in network management and optimization. The companies also want to assess how higher autonomy can maximize the value of existing infrastructure and create new opportunities for Mobily to monetize its network.
Mobily says the project supports its broader strategy to leverage AI and autonomous networks, while also aligning with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation ambitions under Vision 2030.
Under the first MoU, the companies will explore the use of artificial intelligence in RAN software functions running across RAN compute, radio units and active antenna systems. The work will also cover centralized AI use cases enabled by rApps on Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform. As part of the deal, Mobily will join the EIAP ecosystem, gaining access to a community of software vendors, developers and ecosystem partners that can contribute applications for network requirements in Saudi Arabia.
Mobily says more intelligent, automated and responsive network operations will help build a foundation for future AI-native services and advanced digital experiences, including AR/VR, autonomous vehicles and physical AI. The companies say AI RAN capabilities should deliver intelligence and automation across the network, from the RAN edge to centralized operations.
The second MoU focuses on boosting Mobily’s network operations and optimization with the goal of achieving Level 4 network autonomy in key use cases. Ericsson will help the operator prepare and implement autonomous network scenarios using Ericsson Operations Engine, building on the existing operating model that has supported Mobily’s operational development in recent years.
The planned use cases include operations automation, self-healing, optimization and energy management across Mobily’s multi-vendor network environment, with an emphasis on AI-enabled and goal-based autonomous operations in network management and optimization. The companies also want to assess how higher autonomy can maximize the value of existing infrastructure and create new opportunities for Mobily to monetize its network.
Mobily says the project supports its broader strategy to leverage AI and autonomous networks, while also aligning with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation ambitions under Vision 2030.