Integrated solution combines AI-driven connectivity, device management and secure 5G access for enterprise PCs.
Ericsson and Microsoft have announced a joint enterprise mobility solution that embeds advanced 5G management capabilities directly into Windows 11. The integration is designed to make enterprise laptops always connected, secure, and centrally manageable at scale, significantly simplifying mobile device deployment and lifecycle management for IT teams.
The joint solution integrates Microsoft Intune device management with Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect—formerly Ericsson Enterprise Virtual Cellular Network (EVCN)—an AI- and cloud analytics-powered platform that continuously monitors network quality and dynamically optimizes connectivity for performance and security.
AI-Driven, Policy-Based 5G Connectivity
By embedding AI-powered 5G management natively within Windows 11, enterprises can automate how laptops connect to mobile networks, apply enterprise-defined connectivity policies, and seamlessly switch between communications service providers (CSPs). IT administrators can remotely configure devices, enforce secure connectivity profiles, and ensure compliance across distributed workforces without manual provisioning.
Erik Ekudden, Chief Technology Officer at Ericsson, stated that AI-powered 5G laptops are redefining enterprise mobility by enabling seamless deployment and automated operations of secure, always-connected devices regardless of location. He emphasized that the joint solution has the potential to reshape enterprise IT operations and workplace productivity in the AI era.
The solution addresses longstanding enterprise challenges associated with cellular-connected laptops, including complex setup processes and inconsistent user experiences across geographies and operators. Automation reduces IT overhead while enabling predictable, secure access to high-performance connectivity.
Ian LeGrow, Corporate Vice President, Core OS at Microsoft, noted that Windows 11 serves as a scalable enterprise platform for managing 5G-connected PCs. With integrated 5G management capabilities—currently being piloted on Surface Copilot+ PCs alongside Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect—IT teams can provision, secure, and manage both devices and connectivity through Intune, enabling AI-ready workforces.
Through Microsoft Intune and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect, enterprises can manage both devices and their 5G connectivity layer within a unified administrative framework. The approach creates a standardized pathway for scaling secure, AI-ready PCs across organizations.
Enterprise 5G Bundles and Surface Integration
Building on a longstanding partnership between the two companies, the announcement follows multiple successful multi-market pilots. In collaboration with CSPs and global ecosystem partners, Microsoft and Ericsson will deliver enterprise 5G bundles that initially include Surface Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft 365, Intune, and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect.
At Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026, the companies will showcase new capabilities including remote configuration of 5G network priority policies, automatic eSIM switching, and a local AI agent running on a 5G-enabled Surface laptop. The AI agent is designed to make real-time, context-aware decisions to optimize connectivity performance for mission-critical business workflows.
The joint solution is already available in select markets. Launch programs are underway in the United States with T-Mobile, in Sweden with Telenor, in Singapore with Singtel, and in Japan with SoftBank Corp.. Additional rollouts are planned during 2026, including Spain with MasOrange, Germany with O2 Telefónica Germany, and Finland with Elisa.
With broad availability expected from the second quarter of 2026, the initiative represents a significant advancement in enterprise-grade, AI-optimized mobile computing infrastructure.
