Ericsson Launches €200M Project for Open Programmable Networks
ATHLOAN, IRELAND, 24TH APRIL , 2025 – Ericsson has announced a significant investment in its Athlone facility, worth €200 million over the next three years, to further strengthen its position in the global innovation of 5G networks.
Supported by the Irish Government and IDA Ireland, this project will focus on open programmable networks, automation, and intelligent radio access management.
Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Peter Burke, TD, says:
“Ericsson’s EUR 200 million announcement at their Athlone facility is fantastic news. Their innovative R&D project, which will span a duration of three years, will improve efficiency in 5G networks globally. Ericsson have been established in Ireland for decades, with the Athlone facility a significant employer and an integral part of the fabric of the community for over 50 years. It is really encouraging that Ericsson have once again cemented Athlone as key base for the company, selecting the campus and the staff based here to lead this pioneering work. I wish all the team in Ericsson the very best with this exciting new chapter.”
Moreover, this investment will further support the development of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), a key enabler for constructing open, multi-vendor, disintegrated 4G/5G networks. While primarily designed in Athlone, EIAP supports rApps, applications that automate and optimize radio access network operations, allowing operators to speed up innovation and improve their network management.
The investment is indicative of Ericsson’s commitment to evolving technologies such as AI, ML, and advanced analytics, which will underpin the autonomous future networks. Athlone has 1,300 employees in Ireland, but it still serves as Ericsson’s global center of excellence for intelligent network management.
Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA, says: ”Ericsson’s ambitious programme is strongly aligned with the key growth drivers of IDA Ireland’s new strategy – Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustained Growth and Innovation. The investment strengthens the long-term legacy of Ericsson in Ireland, building on the success of past investments spanning more than 60 years. This RD&I project embodies cutting-edge innovation, exemplifies IDA’s continued commitment to balanced regional development. I wish Ericsson every success with this project and assure them of IDA Ireland’s continued partnership.”
This new investment serves again as verification of Ericsson’s long-standing partnership with Ireland and its ambition of enabling open, high-performance network technology across global markets.
Denis Dullea, Head of Ericsson’s Athlone site and Network Management Engineering Unit, says:
“Ericsson has a long history and deep roots in Ireland spanning more than 50 year
This EUR 200 million investment, supported by the IDA and Irish government, is a testament to our commitment to Ireland and confidence in our exceptional talent here. By delivering on this cutting-edge project, we’re both investing in Ireland’s future and empowering mobile operators worldwide.”
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