Microsoft and Ericsson Partner to Transform Enterprise 5G Connectivity with Windows 11 and Surface Devices

Microsoft and Ericsson have announced a groundbreaking partnership that addresses one of enterprise IT's most persistent challenges: providing secure, reliable 5G connectivity for mobile and hybrid workers. The new Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect solution, validated on Microsoft Surface 5G devices, leverages Windows 11's native enterprise managed cellular connectivity to automatically connect devices to the optimal network—whether that's private 5G in the office or public 5G on the road.

The Enterprise Connectivity Challenge

Modern mobile workforces face a fragmented connectivity landscape. Employees often struggle with manual SIM swaps, unreliable public Wi-Fi networks, and the security risks associated with connecting to untrusted networks. IT departments spend countless hours managing these connectivity issues, creating complexity and potential security vulnerabilities.

"AI-powered 5G laptops are redefining how and where work gets done," said Erik Ekudden, Chief Technology Officer at Ericsson. "Together with Microsoft and leading CSP partners, we're enabling organizations to seamlessly automate the deployment and operations of secure, always-connected devices regardless of location—creating a smarter, more responsive workplace for the AI era."

How Enterprise 5G Connect Works

The solution builds on Windows 11's enterprise managed cellular connectivity, a native capability that integrates with Microsoft Intune to provide centralized control over cellular connectivity on Windows 11 PCs. This integration allows IT departments to:

• Automate eSIM provisioning across device fleets
• Set network priority policies based on location and use case
• Manage connectivity at scale with unified endpoint management
• Enforce security policies automatically across all networks

The automatic switching capability is particularly innovative. Instead of requiring employees to manually select networks or swap physical SIM cards, the system intelligently connects to the best available network in the background. This means employees stay connected without troubleshooting network settings, while IT maintains complete visibility and control.

Security and Management Benefits

One of the most significant advantages of this solution is its security posture. Enterprise managed cellular connectivity helps organizations reduce gaps in both connectivity and security by:

• Preventing connections to untrusted public Wi-Fi networks
• Enabling automatic enterprise policy enforcement
• Providing a more secure pathway to corporate data and apps
• Maintaining compliance across diverse network environments

These capabilities are especially critical as organizations deploy AI workloads and sensitive applications that require consistent, secure connectivity. The solution ensures that whether employees are working from corporate offices, remote locations, or while traveling, they maintain secure access to enterprise resources.

The Surface Advantage

Microsoft Surface 5G devices serve as the ideal hardware platform for this solution. These devices combine always-on connectivity with premium AI-ready hardware, delivering:

• High-performance computing for AI workloads
• Always-on 5G connectivity without compromising battery life
• Enterprise-grade security features built into the hardware
• Seamless integration with Windows 11 management capabilities

Surface devices are uniquely positioned as the only enterprise-ready laptop operating system capable of enabling 5G workloads at scale, thanks to Windows 11's robust management capabilities.

Global Scalability

Ericsson's Enterprise 5G Connect solution leverages the company's extensive relationships with global carriers, enabling organizations to scale connectivity across regions and use cases. This global reach is crucial for multinational enterprises that need consistent connectivity policies and experiences for employees regardless of location.

The solution is currently being piloted by Ericsson and its preview customers, with broader availability expected following the pilot phase. Organizations interested in learning more can visit Ericsson and Microsoft booths at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.

Business Impact

For IT departments, this partnership represents a significant reduction in operational complexity. Instead of managing multiple connectivity solutions and troubleshooting individual connection issues, IT can focus on strategic initiatives while maintaining control over security and compliance.

For employees, the benefit is equally compelling: a more consistent, seamless productivity experience that eliminates the frustration of poor connectivity and security concerns. The automatic switching capability means workers can move between office, home, and travel environments without interruption.

Looking Ahead

This partnership between Microsoft and Ericsson signals a broader trend in enterprise technology: the convergence of hardware, software, and network infrastructure to create seamless, secure experiences for mobile workers. As AI workloads become more prevalent and distributed work models continue to evolve, solutions like Enterprise 5G Connect will become increasingly critical.

The integration of enterprise managed cellular connectivity in Windows 11 also opens the door for future partner solutions, suggesting this is just the beginning of a new era in enterprise mobility management. Organizations that adopt these capabilities early will be well-positioned to support the next generation of mobile, AI-powered workforces.

For organizations looking to simplify connectivity, strengthen security, and empower employees to work confidently anywhere, the Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect solution represents a compelling option worth exploring.