Danish operator TDC has chosen Ericsson to help it build and maintain its 5G network.

The deal involves Ericsson’s 5G platform, supported by its Operations Engine, as support system that’s heavy on the AI and automation. The resulting network is heavy on the buzzwords, with lofty talk of industry 4.0 and Digital Denmark. They’re not planning to waste any time, with pilot testing due to take place later this year and full nationwide commercial rollout by the end of 2020.

Allison Kirkby, President and CEO, TDC Group, says: “I am truly excited that TDC will now start to build the infrastructure of the future in partnership with Ericsson, and enable a Digital Denmark with the best nationwide wireless network,” said Allison Kirkby, CEO of TDC. “5G will bring a step change in capacity, internet speed and intelligent connectivity – in other words – 5G will empower a new era for the digital economy and will allow Denmark to build on its position as a global digital frontrunner.”

“TDC becomes the latest service provider in Europe that we will switch on 5G for,” said Ericsson boss Börje Ekholm. “We are delighted to partner with TDC not just in 5G radio and core, but in related R&D and innovation, and the absolute latest in managed services through Ericsson Operations Engine. We will work with TDC to digitalize the Danish economy to ensure Danish consumers, enterprises and society benefit from the new experiences, services, and capabilities enabled by 5G.”

Ericsson has restructured its managed services business to focus on supporting networking kit business and this seems to be a classic example of the kind of thing it has in mind. The managed service contract with TDC will last five years and is so intimate that 100 TDC networking experts will be transferred to Ericsson.