Ericsson and Nokia trial network slice selection on Android 13 device with Google

Ericsson and Nokia have separately worked with Google to demonstrate support for multiple network slices on Google Pixel 6 (Pro) devices running Android 13. The demonstration showed how a device can support both enterprise and consumer slicing applications through the UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) technology.

For Ericsson, the results were achieved in an Interoperability Device Testing (IODT) environment on Google Pixel 6 (Pro) devices using Android 13. Two different types of slices were made available on a device’s consumer profile, apart from the default mobile broadband (MBB) slice. Meanwhile, Nokia conducted trial using its end-to-end 4G/5G network slicing product portfolio across radio access network (RAN)-transport-core as well as related control and management systems. The trial included 5G network slice selection and connectivity based on enterprise and consumer application categories as well as 5G NR-LTE slice interworking functionalities.

Commenting on the development, Monica Zethzon, head, Solution Area Packet Core, Ericsson, said, “As carriers and enterprises seek a return on their investment in 5G networks, the ability to provide for a wide and varied selection of use cases is of crucial importance. Communications Service Providers and enterprises who can offer customers the flexibility to take advantage of tailored network slices for both work and personal profiles on a single Android device are opening up a vast reserve of different uses of those devices. By confirming that the new network slicing capabilities offered by Android 13 will work fully with Ericsson network technology, we are marking a significant step forward in helping the full mobile ecosystem realize the true value of 5G.”

Meanwhile, Ari Kynäslahti, head, Strategy and Technology, Nokia Mobile Networks, said, “New application-based URSP slicing solutions widen operator’s 5G network business opportunities. We are excited to develop and test new standards-based URSP technologies with Android that will ensure that our customers can provide leading-edge enterprise and consumer services using Android devices and Nokia’s 4G/5G networks.”