Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has signed an agreement with Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, to deploy its 5G Radio Access Network (RAN).
Announced at the 2026 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Ericsson will supply products and solutions from its 5G RAN portfolio such as Massive MIMO antenna-integrated radio AIR 3219 for the 3.5GHz band deployment and high-performing 5G RAN software such as the Ericsson 5G Advanced solution Real-Time AI Powered Automation.
The agreement also will mean the introduction of Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). It will initially be deployed to support cloud-native Ericsson Network Manager, which brings with it an enhanced ability to manage and utilize data from devices on the network. This introduces cloud-native architecture into Dialog’s network and supports the operator’s ongoing cloudification journey. Ericsson will also provide rollout services, integration and network optimization support as part of the contract.
Dialog was the first to roll out commercial 5G services in Sri Lanka and operates the country’s largest 5G network, connecting over 1.5 million subscribers.
As the only provider with 3.5 GHz spectrum, , Dialog can combine wide-area coverage with ultra-high capacity. The 3.5 GHz band delivers reliable, everyday 5G performance nationwide, ensuring a consistent customer experience while supporting advanced consumer and business use cases.
The new deployment will support Dialog’s ambition to expand nationwide 5G coverage, enhance network capacity and deliver advanced enterprise offerings.
Supun Weerasinghe, Director / Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Our collaboration with Ericsson marks an important step in advancing Sri Lanka’s 5G journey. As we accelerate the next phase of rollout, we are strengthening the digital infrastructure that will power enterprises, enable innovation and enhance everyday connectivity for millions of Sri Lankans.”
Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh David Hägerbro says, “Ericsson and Dialog have built a strong partnership over more than a decade. This agreement builds on that foundation and will support Dialog’s 5G expansion with high-performance, energy-efficient radio solutions and cloud-native capabilities. Together, we aim to enable new enterprise use cases and contribute to Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.”
The deployment is expected to accelerate digital transformation across Sri Lanka by enabling new services, enterprise innovation and broader access to high-speed connectivity.