Adopting 5G and 3GPP technologies ensures enhanced interoperability

We expect significant growth in the enterprise and mission-critical segment across EMEA

Adopting 5G and 3GPP technologies ensures enhanced interoperability

Todd Ashton is the Head of Enterprise & Mission Critical Technologies for Ericsson across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). In this role, he focuses on delivering advanced, secure, and mission-critical  communication solutions to enterprises and public sector organizations. He champions the transformative potential of 5G, AI, and automation to enhance efficiency, create new revenue streams, and drive innovation across industries.         A strong advocate for broadband as a fundamental human right, Mr. Ashton emphasizes the importance of affordable  connectivity in generating economic opportunities,                particularly for women and youth in underserved regions. Through his strategic vision and dedication to innovation, he advances Ericsson’s mission of securely and efficiently         connecting people and industries throughout the EMEA region. During our visit to Dubai, Al Bayan Magazine had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ashton and conduct the following interview.

• How do you see the enterprise and mission-critical segment evolving in EMEA over the next three to five years?

– We expect significant growth in the enterprise and mission-critical segment across EMEA, driven by substantial infrastructure investments not only in the Gulf states but also in Europe, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Various sectors are beginning to leverage 5G to enhance their services. For instance, public safety networks—used by police and emergency services—are increasingly adopting video capabilities to improve situational awareness and better protect citizens. In the Gulf, critical infrastructure such as ports is a major focus. Combining 5G with AI-driven automation can significantly increase port productivity. Logistics is another key area where 5G will play a transformative role, enabling more efficient and reliable mission-critical operations for shipping and goods management.

• Which industries are driving the greatest demand for mission-critical connectivity, and why?

– Public safety is a major driver, given its direct impact on people’s lives. The rail sector has also seen strong returns on investment, as it is critical infrastructure that must operate reliably. Oil and gas remain essential, while mining is important in certain regions. In Europe, utilities are investing heavily, often leveraging 5G to automate plants and enhance safety during operations.

• How is Ericsson leveraging 5G, cloud, edge, and computing capabilities to deliver mission-critical services?

– Ericsson partners with mobile operators and government agencies to design tailored solutions while maximizing the use of existing CSP networks. For sensitive data, we provide a secure core by extending the operator’s network. Additionally, we implement network slicing in the radio network to deliver dedicated slices for specific users, such as the police, ensuring reliability and security for mission-critical  services.

• How do you address the challenges of interoperability and standards in mission-critical networks across different countries in the EMEA region?

– In the past, mission-critical networks were often implemented differently across countries, which sometimes led to interoperability challenges. Today, the industry is moving towards 5G and 3GPP-based technologies, which provide a standardized foundation. This evolution supports greater interoperability and allows multiple industries and countries to build on a common, future-proof framework.

• Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly critical. What strategies does Ericsson employ to protect mission-critical systems from cyber threats?

– Ericsson focuses on securing both the radio and core networks to protect mission-critical systems. We are actively developing multiple versions of the core network and enhancing them with hardened software to ensure robust security. These efforts are central to our approach in safeguarding systems against evolving   cyber threats.