September 23, 2026, 2:15 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Translate phone calls live, without an app and without a special smartphone: That’s exactly what Vodafone and Ericsson have now tested. The AI works directly in the mobile network and aims to make conversations more understandable even in noisy environments.
Vodafone, together with network equipment provider Ericsson, has tested a new AI technology that operates directly in the mobile network. Instead of offloading processing to the smartphone, the network itself takes on the task. This allows users to access the functions regardless of the device they are using, even if it doesn’t support its own AI functions.
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In practical tests, the system was able to translate phone conversations in real time. The technology ran entirely in the network, so no additional app needed to be installed. Vodafone sees this as a potential way to offer modern AI services on a significantly larger number of devices in the future.
Live Translation in Five Languages
During the tests, the technology translated conversations between German, English, Spanish, Italian, and French. To achieve this, Vodafone combines its own application server and an AI platform with Ericsson technology for AI gateway and core network. Special application programming interfaces connect the telecommunications and AI systems.
According to the companies, the translation function only starts with the explicit consent of the conversation partners. Without consent, no conversation content is analyzed or stored. This is Vodafone and Ericsson’s response to privacy concerns that are regularly discussed when using AI during phone calls.
More Understandable Calls Despite Noise
In addition to translation, the technology is also designed to reduce disruptive background noise. The AI recognizes noise sources in real time and filters them out. This could make conversations easier to understand, especially at train stations, airports, or on busy streets.
“People can communicate more easily, even if they speak different languages or are on loud calls,” says Fabrizio Rocchio, Vodafone Germany’s chief network and technology officer. The tests are part of the “Core Network of the Future” initiative, through which Vodafone and Ericsson are developing intelligent mobile networks. Vodafone plans to gradually introduce these functions for both private and business customers.