Ericsson Virtual Cellular Network enables Windows 11 laptops to switch seamlessly between 5G networks

Telia, T-Mobile and SoftBank Corp have joined forces with Ericsson, Microsoft and Thales to trial a solution that enables an always-on 5G connection for Windows 11 laptops. While many modern laptops support 5G connectivity, the user typically has to choose to initiate the 5G connection and enter a PIN code to authenticate. This process must be repeated each time the laptop is restarted. From the end user’s perspective, Ericsson Virtual Cellular Network (EVCN) differs in that it requires no interaction to maintain a 5G connection, switching seamlessly between networks as the user moves between offices – or even from one continent to another.

In the trial, Ericsson employees’ Windows 11 PCs switched between networks operated by Telia, T-Mobile and SoftBank Corp. as they travelled between Stockholm, New York, Seattle and Tokyo, providing a seamless 5G connection. Microsoft’s Intune mobile device manager was used to bulk activate embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) profile groups with local 5G connectivity provisioned according to the employee demographic and data usage.

From the perspective of enterprises that choose to deploy the solution, EVCN automates eSIM profile management and facilitates control of the ordering, downloading and activation of multiple eSIM profiles. Employees that can remain seamlessly connected while on the move are typically more productive, as Ian LeGrow, Microsoft Corporate Vice-President of Core OS Innovation, explains.

“Enterprises need to provide secure remote access to mobile employees, no matter where they work,” LeGrow says. “In collaborating with Ericsson on EVCN, we are demonstrating Windows 11 Pro devices managed with Microsoft Intune to connect to global 5G networks seamlessly and securely. Network and device provisioning, connectivity optimization, and policy-based management are all enabled through this service. This will deliver a more productive and connected experience across applications, corporate systems, and resources that employees need to drive their work forward.”

By leveraging the performance and coverage of 5G networks, the EVCN solution helps organizations to deliver an ‘always-connected’ experience and increase the productivity of the hybrid workforce. Whether working from home, in remote workspaces or travelling abroad, enterprises can be confident that their employees will benefit from being automatically connected to the best-performing and most suitable 5G network, as Magnus Leonhardt, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Telia Sweden’s B2B business, explains.

“We see an increasing customer need to reduce internal infrastructure complexity,” Leonhardt says. “Standardized 5G technology offers unmatched quality of service with holistic connectivity, supporting new working needs at the office, home and on the move.”

Mats Hultin, CIO and Head of Ericsson Enterprise IT, believes that 5G has a key role to play in increasing the productivity of hybrid workers.

“We are in pursuit of IT modernization and evolving into a truly wireless enterprise supporting hybrid working,” Hultin says. “Ericsson Enterprise IT is dedicated to delivering the absolute best employee experience and our commitment extends beyond mere connectivity – we aim to maximize productivity in a sustainable manner. EVCN represents a strategic cornerstone in orchestrating this transformation from our conventional fixed enterprise connectivity solutions towards a more scalable, global 5G infrastructure in collaboration with operators.”

EVCN will be demonstrated jointly by Microsoft, SoftBank, T-Mobile, Telia and Thales in the Ericsson Hall during MWC Barcelona 2024 from February 26 to February 29.

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