Ericsson this week announced Rogers Communications as the first North American service provider to join its global Startup 5G program.
Ericsson's Startup 5G program is designed to help communications service providers (CSPs) accelerate the successful commercialization and monetization of 5G by introducing them to the right consumer innovation partners. The program will also encourage 5G innovation transfer between start-ups and Rogers to create new business opportunities for both sides.
Rogers partnered with Ericsson in 2018 as its 5G vendor for its full network infrastructure, and the companies are working together to roll out Canada's first 5G standalone core network building the foundation for true 5G experiences and use cases. The Startup 5G program has the companies working together to research and develop new 5G consumer offerings such as augmented and virtual reality, digital education, e-sports and other immersive media experiences.
This program expands on Rogers already robust 5G ecosystem of innovative R&D partnerships across start-ups, academia, public sector, and enterprises and extends it to the consumer business. As part of the Startup 5G program, Rogers will receive access to an exclusive list of companies developing scalable services, devices, and applications over 5G. By bundling and offering innovative apps and digital services, Rogers can differentiate the 5G customer experience, ultimately changing the usage behavior and demand for mobile broadband services.
Jeanette Irekvist, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Canada, Ericsson North America
We are excited to welcome Rogers as the first North American operator to join our Startup 5G program. Our global industry knowledge and expertise has positioned us to act as matchmakers in the 5G ecosystem, introducing service providers to products and services ready to launch on a mass scale.
Jasmeet Sethi, Head of ConsumerLab, Ericsson Research
We are looking forward to expanding our relationship with Rogers to co-create and test applications enhanced by 5G. With access to 30 global start-ups, which is expected to grow to more than 40 by the end of the year, the program offers Rogers a unique opportunity to not only leverage actionable consumer insights but connect with innovation partners to keep the momentum as a leader in 5G.
