Vodafone and Ericsson have completed testing of two artificial intelligence-driven capabilities designed to enhance how people conduct mobile voice conversations. The pair tested real-time noise cancellation and simultaneous language translation as part of their shared "Core Network of the Future" initiative, which examines the integration of AI directly into telecom infrastructure.

A key advantage of the approach is that both capabilities operate through the mobile network itself, eliminating the need for users to install separate applications or purchase new devices. The implementation leverages Vodafone's application server and AI systems alongside Ericsson's IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS).

The two services tested

The first capability uses artificial intelligence to detect and suppress background noise throughout calls, delivering particular value to professionals operating in loud settings or those frequently on the move. This enhancement improves audio clarity without demanding specialised equipment.

The second feature enables real-time translation across two languages during active calls. For organisations, this functionality facilitates communication with customers, business partners and staff members who operate in different linguistic contexts.

Industry perspective

AI is giving the mobile network back its voice. More than 50 years after the first mobile call, innovation is accelerating and shifting back into the network. Over the past few years, we have built the infrastructure, data capabilities and safeguards needed to unlock AI for our customers to converse more clearly.

Marco Zangani, Vodafone Director of Network Strategy and Architecture

This successful trial with Vodafone is a critical demonstration of how network-native AI can redefine the mobile experience. By integrating Vodafone's powerful AI capabilities with Ericsson's core network and media processing technologies, we are proving that sophisticated services like real-time translation and noise cancellation can be delivered seamlessly. This is a crucial step toward creating more intelligent, programmable networks that unlock new value for customers.

Nadine Allen, Ericsson Head of UK and responsible for Vodafone Group at Ericsson