Samson Akintaro 
Telecommunications vendor, Ericsson, has announced plans to create an automation hub in Nigeria to support operators for improved consumer experience. Ericsson Automation Hub is an open innovation platform, inspired by lean startup methodology in which the Ericsson team works in close dialog with customers, users, and partners to showcase and reach the high potential that network automation allows in configuration, provisioning, assurance, and orchestration of network services.
This, the company said, will enable service providers to gain the ability in their environments to govern, manage and orchestrate hybrid networks holistically and in real-time and as a result, offer an enhanced consumer experience. Fields to be covered include but not limited to 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) use cases, network slicing and orchestration, hologram calls, complex standalone, business support system (BSS) and operations support system (OSS), cloud and core product cases, automated acceptance yests demonstration and enhancements as well as complex charging scenarios for 5G and 4G networks.
Commenting on the launch, Vice President and Head of Digital Services at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, Lucky La Riccia, said: “As Industry 4.0 accelerates in Africa, automation in operations is proven to boost customer experiences. Ericsson continues to support the telecom industry players in setting #AfricaInMotion, and with the Ericsson Automation Hub in Nigeria, we will focus on driving business outcomes for our partners in Africa as they aim to leverage digital transformation to turn complexities into opportunities while offering a greater experience and value to consumers.