Canada and Ericsson to Invest Over US$350 Million in Future Networks Research

April 18, 2023

Written by Caio Castro
CATEGORY: Exclusives

The government of Canada and Ericsson inked a partnership to invest over $350 million (CAD 470 million) in research and development centres in the country.

The deal will last five years and focus on 5G Advanced, 6G, AI, Cloud RAN, and Core Network technologies. The research centres are located in Ottawa and Montreal.

The funding will also support the expansion of research facilities and staff support for quantum computing at Ericsson’s recently established Quantum Research hub in Montreal.

Ericsson expects to enable the Canadian offices to hire up to 60 additional interns per year – 300 across the five-year timeline – to boost ongoing academic partnerships. Most of these students will be based in the Montreal and Ottawa R&D centres.

“We are already seeing the benefits of next-generation technologies such as 5G and AI, yet we are still in the early days of their potential to transform our work, leisure, and social lives,” said Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson.

“Ericsson’s R&D investment partnership with the Canadian government, supported by world-class talent in Ottawa and Montreal, will boost innovation and ultimately help to improve the lives of millions of people. We are determined to lead our industry through continued R&D investment.”

The announcement happens roughly one month after Ericsson’s competitor Nokia unveiled plans to shift its focus to future networks and AI, with 6G playing a critical role in the Finnish company’s attempt to take the early lead in research.

The same applies to Canada, which already has operators Bell and Telus among the founding members of the Next G Alliance.

“By investing in Ericsson Canada, our government continues to support and strengthen the 5G networks of today and 6G networks of the future,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

“Today’s announcement is further evidence that Canadian workers have the talent the world needs to develop faster and more secure internet connection and other wireless services,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added. “As we continue to support innovation, we are creating good jobs, strengthening the middle class, and ensuring Canada remains a global leader in technology.”

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