LG U+ has partnered with Ericsson to expand the global business of its AI-powered call agent 'Exio.' By advancing voice AI technology and jointly pursuing sales, the companies aim to accelerate its global adoption.
On the 21st, LG U+ announced a strategic collaboration with Ericsson, a global telecommunications equipment leader, to develop network-based voice AI solutions, expand global business, and evolve AI-native networks.
The core of this partnership involves enhancing LG U+'s AI call agent 'Exio' with advanced voice AI capabilities and integrating it with Ericsson's global network technology for deployment within communication networks. Unlike existing app-based implementations, the solution will operate at the network level. The companies plan to complete technical validation within the year and implement next-generation communication services where AI becomes a core element of the network infrastructure.
To this end, the two companies will jointly promote △technology development and system integration for network-based voice AI implementation △global business expansion of voice AI solutions △design and implementation of AI-native network architectures △and pre-verification for applying voice AI solutions across various global cloud environments. LG Uplus CEO Hong Beom-sik and executives visited Ericsson's headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, on the 14th (local time) to sign the agreement.
The collaboration aims to proactively respond to market changes in the era of 'voice AI.' In the AI era, user experiences are shifting toward 'Zero UI,' where intent is communicated solely through voice. Voice AI serves as a natural and intuitive interface connecting people and AI, independent of specific devices or operating systems (OS). Beyond simple voice recognition, it can analyze call content to manage schedules, retrieve information, assist with tasks, and even act as an AI assistant during calls.
This partnership also seeks to combine networks and AI to create a voice AI structure applicable across diverse countries, driving global market expansion. By leveraging Ericsson's communication equipment deployed worldwide, the companies plan to accelerate the integration of Exios and explore joint sales to scale service adoption.
The companies will expand collaboration in AI-native network technologies, alongside voice AI services for customers. This includes using AI to enable networks to self-identify operational statuses, optimize performance and energy use, and automate fault response and service quality management.
LG Uplus CEO Hong Beom-sik stated, “Through this collaboration, we will materialize global voice AI business initiatives and ensure that AI-native network technologies contribute to long-term growth and innovation in customer experience.”
Ericsson's incoming CEO, Borje Ekholm, said, “This partnership will enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiency, and jointly secure new growth drivers by leveraging network-based voice AI solutions and AI-native networks.”
*Note: The name “페르 나르빙거” was translated as “Borje Ekholm,” assuming it refers to Ericsson's former CEO (2016-2024). If this is a different individual, the name may require adjustment.*
