[Edaily Reporter Yun Junghoon ]LG Uplus(032640)has partnered with global telecommunications equipment company Ericsson to develop network-based “Voice AI” solutions and target the global market. The company plans to lead the next-generation telecommunications market by evolving the telecommunications network itself into an AI platform, transcending the boundaries of apps and device operating systems (OS).

LG Corp. announced on the 21st that it has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ericsson to develop network-based voice AI solutions, pursue global joint ventures, and advance the evolution of AI-native networks.

The two companies will combine LG Corp.’s experience and technical expertise in commercializing its Agent AI call agent “ixi-O” with Ericsson’s global network capabilities. They plan to complete a proof of concept (PoC) by the end of the year and commercialize next-generation telecommunications services in which AI serves as a core pillar of the telecommunications infrastructure.

Key areas of cooperation include: △ development of network-based voice AI technology and system integration; △ joint promotion of global business; △ design of AI-native network architecture; and △ pre-validation in multi-cloud environments.

The core objective of this collaboration is to secure a leading position in the “Zero UI” era, where commands are executed using voice alone. By integrating voice AI at the network level, users will be able to intuitively access AI services over a high-quality network without having to launch specific apps or be constrained by operating systems.

In the future, AI is expected to screen out unnecessary calls and provide real-time support for essential tasks during important calls. Furthermore, an environment is expected to be established where various next-generation DEVICES—such as AI glasses and humanoid robots—operate seamlessly on a single network.

In addition, the companies are pushing forward with the evolution of an “AI-native network,” which applies AI across all aspects of network operations. This approach enables AI to autonomously monitor network conditions to optimize performance and energy efficiency, while automating fault response and quality management.

This strategic partnership was finalized when key executives, including LG Corp. U+ President Hong Beom-sik, visited Ericsson’s headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, on the 14th (local time). The two companies agreed to establish a mid- to long-term cooperation framework that extends beyond technical reviews to global commercialization.

Hong Beom-sik, President of LG Uplus, stated, “By combining LG Uplus’s experience in voice AI services accumulated through Ixio with Ericsson’s global network technology capabilities, we will introduce network-based voice AI to the global market that can provide a more intelligent and convenient communication experience.” He added, “Through this collaboration, we will solidify our global voice AI business and ensure that AI-native network technology contributes to LG Uplus’s mid- to long-term growth and innovation in customer experience.”

Per Narvinger, President-elect of Ericsson, remarked, “AI-native networks will serve as the core technological foundation for creating new growth engines in the telecommunications industry going forward.” He continued, “Through our collaboration with LG Uplus, we will not only enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency based on network-based voice AI solutions and AI-native networks, but also jointly explore new business opportunities and secure new growth engines.”