STOCKHOLM — Ericsson (STO: ERIC-B), a global leader in networking and telecommunications, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Bhutan Telecom to deploy 5G services across the scenic landscapes of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Ericsson will also work with Bhutan Telecom to explore related next-generation use cases tapping artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), automation and the Internet of Things (IoT).

With a history of successful partnership in previous generations of mobile connectivity, Ericsson and Bhutan Telecom are set to extend their collaboration to introduce 5G technology to the landlocked Eastern Himalayan country. Notably, the deployment will include iconic locations such as the breathtaking Chele La pass, situated at an elevation of 4,000 meters (13,000 ft), offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the sacred Mount Jhomalari.

The joint deployment and product expertise of Ericsson and Bhutan Telecom have already enabled network connectivity in remote regions of Bhutan, facilitating communication for citizens and attracting tens of thousands of tourists, trekkers, and hikers globally.

Building on this success, the deployment of 5G services aims to bridge the digital divide in Bhutan and unlock innovative opportunities for businesses, industries, and the public sector, aligning with the government’s vision of a ‘digital society.’

Karma Jurme, CEO of Bhutan Telecom, expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure, stating, “The introduction of 5G will boost digital services in the country and enable Bhutan to become a ‘digital society.’”

Nunzio Mirtillo, Head of Ericsson South East Asia, Oceania and India, highlighted the transformative potential of 5G technology, emphasizing its socio-economic impact and the benefits it will bring to consumers through enhanced mobile broadband and Fixed Wireless Access.

The deployment of 5G in Bhutan is scheduled for the last quarter of 2021 and will leverage Ericsson’s state-of-the-art technology, including Ericsson Radio System products and solutions, Ericsson Spectrum Sharing, and upgrades in Cloud Packet Core, Unified Data Management, Policy, IMS, and OSS/BSS.

Since their partnership began in 2004, Ericsson and Bhutan Telecom have collaborated on various network technologies, including 2G, 3G, and 4G. Bhutan Telecom also selected Ericsson as its Business Support Systems (BSS) transformation partner in 2016.

Furthermore, as part of a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) grant project, Ericsson and Bhutan Telecom have deployed a disaster-resilient emergency telecom core network, ensuring seamless connectivity during natural calamities.

With 145 commercial 5G agreements globally, including 96 live 5G networks, Ericsson continues to lead the way in driving the adoption of 5G technology worldwide.