Ekiva and zTouch form a strategic partnership to deliver network efficiency through innovation

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London, UK

January 2024

Ekiva, a leading force in transforming the telecommunications industry, and zTouch Networks, a Northeastern spinout specializing in zero-touch orchestration and control for Open RAN, have announced a strategic partnership to revolutionise the landscape of mobile networks. Together, they aim to drive network automation and efficiencies and reduce costs of ownership for mobile network operators through the implementation of cutting-edge AI.

Both companies will build and share intellectual property, fostering innovation and solidifying their commitment to becoming leading providers of 5G/6G applications. The collaboration envisions a future where mobile network operators can benefit from reduced costs, increased agility, and the delivery of bespoke services tailored to diverse performance requirements (intents).

Ekiva’s rich real time data sets will help both parties to develop a broader set of capabilities based on the zTouch AI and automation framework. The collaboration enables zTouch and Ekiva to offer more robust and differentiated services, strengthening their positions in the automated and intelligence-driven telecom Network as a service (NaaS) market.

Working together, the teams will create automated solutions for MNO and enterprise networks which convert high-level intents into actionable AI across the network. Ekiva’s AI driven services will reduce costs, accelerate network deployment, improve network performance, and help MNOs stay competitive in a rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.

The integration of zTouch’s zero-touch orchestration and control framework into Ekiva’s service offering complements Ekiva’s delayered approach, creating a synergy that will drive innovation for many years to come. 

“We are excited about the synergy between Ekiva and zTouch Networks. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in delivering unparalleled efficiencies to the telecom industry. Together, we are poised to lead the way in 5G/6G applications and redefine the mobile network landscape,” said Indranil Sen, President at Ekiva.

“zTouch Networks is excited to partner with Ekiva to bring about transformative changes in the telecommunications sector. Our combined expertise in delayering and zero-touch orchestration will drive innovation and cost reduction, setting new standards for the industry,” commented Tommaso Melodia, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern and WIoT Director.

About EkivaEkiva is a pioneer in the telecommunications industry, dedicated to new ways of delivering cutting-edge solutions that redefine connectivity across the globe. With a strong focus on technology and unwavering customer commitment, Ekiva is leading the way into the future of 5G telecommunications and beyond. For more information, visit ekiva.com

About zTouch: zTouch operates as an advanced Cellular Network Operating System with a primary focus on 5G networks. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI MML), it streamlines the deployment, monitoring, and configuration processes by dynamically adjusting Radio Access Network (RAN) parameters, policies, and functionalities based on real-time awareness of network conditions. zTouch is inherently cloud-native, aiming to optimize total cost of ownership (TCO) while ensuring extreme scalability, portability, and customization options for enhanced operational efficiency and adaptability.

For media inquiries or further information please contact: Tom Tudor, EVP Marketing, Ekiva at tom.tudor@ekiva.com