Dialog Axiata implements world’s first commercial vBSC with Ericsson

• Improves network management and efficiency, significantly reduces operating cost 
• A more reliable, efficient, and high-quality network experience for users

Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata PLC, has deployed the world’s first commercial virtual Base Station Controller (vBSC) with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) that will enhance the consumer experience by improving network performance and reliability, leading to higher satisfaction and better usability of telecommunications services.

vBSC is a virtualized version of the traditional Base Station Controller, a critical component that manages and controls IoT and critical communication over GSM. It runs as software on virtualized hardware rather than as a physical piece of equipment, allowing for more flexibility and scalability in managing and controlling the networks.

The world's first commercial implementation of this cutting-edge technology is a significant leap forward in telecommunications infrastructure, offering new opportunities for network modernization of any generation of technology and seamless migration to virtualized network functions.

The vBSC – which is compatible with all generations of mobile technology – is designed to harness the capabilities of Ericsson's Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI) platform to deliver the same essential functions as its hardware-based counterpart.

Dialog is the first customer to deploy vBSC, leveraging virtualization to enhance operational efficiency and reducing dependency on proprietary hardware. The modernization initiative will replace BSC controllers while significantly reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) that virtualization of these networks/BSCs can provide.

The deployment of vBSC also offers significant operational savings in terms of power and space compared to its native hardware counterpart. It also enables Dialog to achieve significant reductions in power consumption and physical footprint, leading to substantial cost savings and enhanced environmental sustainability.

The deployment of vBSC holds significant benefits for the global telecommunications landscape, presenting an opportunity for operators worldwide to embrace virtualization as a means to extend the life cycle of critical communications over GSM, enhance operational efficiency, and realize substantial operational savings.

As operators seek to navigate the evolving demands of the digital era, the vBSC deployment sets a new benchmark for industry-wide modernization efforts and underscores its relevance as a pivotal advancement in the telecommunication industry.

Dialog's successful commercial deployment of Ericsson's vBSC demonstrates its strong commitment to spearhead technological advancements, drive sustainable innovation, and realize significant OPEX savings in the telecommunications sector; aligning with its promise of 'The Future. Today.'

Ranga Kariyawasam, Group Chief Technology Officer at Dialog Axiata PLC says: “As the world's first commercial implementation of vBSC, this achievement cements Dialog’s role as a trailblazer in the global telecom landscape and highlights its dedication to delivering next-generation, cost-effective, and future-ready network solutions. This pioneering success reflects Dialog’s unwavering commitment to technological innovation and providing exceptional value to its customers through forward-thinking network modernization.”

David Hägerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh says: “Ericsson's virtual Base Station Controller deployment is set to transform the telecommunications industry by providing a cost-effective, efficient solution to modernize networks and significantly reduce operating expenses.”

Ericsson has been active in Sri Lanka for more than 70 years in Sri Lanka, playing a pivotal role in rolling out every generation of mobile communication in Sri Lanka.