Ericsson stepped up investment in India, setting up a RAN software R&D unit at its existing facilities in Bengaluru, following a recent move to develop chip technology at the centre.

In a statement, the vendor noted the unit will focus on 5G and 5G-Advanced features for baseband units, working in collaboration with global RAN software teams.

In June, the company invested to build capabilities in application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) development, with initial plans to add 150 staff.

David Bjore, Ericsson’s head of RAN Software and Compute Platforms, noted the investment shows “how important India is to our work on next-generation technology”.

He added it is developing RAN software in the nation for the first time. “This is a significant step, as it not only supports India’s rising tech scene but also enables us to create solutions in the country that can have a global impact.”

In September, Andres Vicente, Ericsson’ head of Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, told The Economic Times it has long-term commitment to domestically produce all the gear it sells in India.

Ericsson also operates R&D facilities in Chennai and Gurugram.