Ericsson’s Crystal Ball: A Simplified Partner Program or More Telecom Tea Leaves?

Gather ’round, my darlings, for Lena Ledger Oracle is here to peer into the murky depths of the telecom future! And what do I see swirling in the ether? Why, it’s Ericsson, that grand old Swedish provider of all things wireless, shaking up its partner program like a Vegas cocktail shaker. They’re promising simplicity, profitability, and a whole lotta happy partners. But honey, in my years divining the Wall Street winds, I’ve learned that even the shiniest promises can have a few tangled wires underneath. Ericsson’s new partner program is supposed to make things simpler – Telecoms.com

A New Dawn for Ericsson’s Partners?

Ericsson, y’all know ’em. They’re the folks who keep our cell towers humming and our 5G dreams alive (well, some of them, anyway). But even giants stumble, and Ericsson’s been doing a little soul-searching lately. After a bit of an executive shuffle—the head of networks took a powder in February 2025—and a strategic pivot away from conquering the world beyond telecom, they’re doubling down on what they do best: wrangling wireless networks.

Enter the revamped Enterprise Wireless Solutions partner program, launched in July 2024 and set to fully bloom in 2025. According to the Telecoms.com oracle (and Ericsson’s own pronouncements, of course), this isn’t just a paint job. They’re promising a simpler, more profitable experience for their partners, ditching the old tiered structure that apparently caused more headaches than harmony.

Now, any good fortune teller knows to look beyond the surface. What’s really brewing in this telecom cauldron? Let’s stir the pot a bit, shall we?

Stripping Away Complexity: Is Simplicity Truly on the Horizon?

The old partner program, bless its heart, sounds like it was about as clear as mud. A tiered system, often perceived as unfair and cumbersome. The new vision? Simplicity itself! The cornerstone principles revolve around simplicity, protection, profitability and differentiation for partners. Ericsson is streamlining their operation, which includes the channel of business partners such as resellers, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and carriers. The streamlined new program will categorize the partners into three distinct groups: Solution partners, distribution-managed partners, and ecosystem partners. Solution partners, in particular, are expected to demonstrate a significant commitment to Ericsson through investments in sales and technical certifications, actively building practices around Ericsson’s Enterprise Wireless Solutions.

But here’s where my crystal ball gets a little cloudy. “Simplicity” is a loaded word, especially in the telecom world. Streamlining can mean different things to different folks. Are they truly eliminating red tape, or just shifting it around? Will the new categories be clearer, or just create new silos? Only time, and maybe a few disgruntled partner testimonials, will tell.

The Mountaineer Program: Climbing to New Heights or Just Spinning Wheels?

Ericsson isn’t just throwing money at the problem (though I’m sure their partners wouldn’t complain if they did!). They’re also investing in training and enablement programs, most notably the revised Mountaineer program. This initiative, now open to all partners, aims to boost technical skills and foster innovative applications of Ericsson’s technology.

Sounds promising, right? Certifications, training, incentives for sales, support, and technical teams – it’s like a telecom partner’s dream come true! But here’s the kicker: Training programs are only as good as the training itself. Will it be truly cutting-edge, or just a rehash of old material? Will it be accessible and affordable for all partners, or will it favor the big players? These are the questions that keep this oracle up at night.

Riding the Wave of Open RAN and Network APIs: A New Era of Monetization?

The real magic, according to Ericsson, lies in the future – a future of open, cloud-based RANs (Radio Access Networks) and the power of network APIs. They’re talking about software driving efficiencies and APIs unlocking new monetization opportunities for telecom operators.

Now, I’m no techie, but even I know that software is where the party’s at. Ericsson’s betting big on open RAN and APIs, even collaborating with 12 Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to develop and deploy these APIs across the globe. It’s all about openness and programmability, baby!

But here’s the million-dollar question: Will these new technologies actually translate into real revenue for partners? Or will they be just another shiny object distracting from the core business? Ericsson themselves admit that generating revenue from 5G will take time. And let’s be honest, the telecom industry hasn’t exactly been a bastion of rapid innovation lately.

The Verdict: Fate’s Sealed, Baby?

So, what’s the final word from Lena Ledger Oracle on Ericsson’s new partner program? Will it be a roaring success, or just another telecom mirage?

The truth, as always, lies somewhere in between. Ericsson is clearly making an effort to adapt to a changing landscape. Their focus on simplicity, profitability, and open technologies is a step in the right direction.

However, the devil’s in the details. The success of this program will depend on execution, on whether Ericsson can truly deliver on its promises and navigate the complexities of the telecom world.

And Ericsson hasn’t been shy about recent course corrections. The company has recently scaled back its ambitions to win clients outside the traditional telecom sector, opting instead to concentrate on its core business of providing network solutions to mobile phone companies.

The final verdict? The future is still unwritten. But one thing’s for sure: Lena Ledger Oracle will be watching, with my crystal ball polished and my skepticism fully charged. Stay tuned, darlings, because in the world of telecom, anything can happen. And that’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth…so help me, Wall Street!