Microsoft and Ericsson have introduced a joint enterprise mobility solution that brings advanced 5G laptop management to Windows 11, combining remote device control, AI-driven connectivity, and automated security policies. The integration targets businesses deploying large fleets of laptops and will roll out through early carrier programs before wider availability in the second quarter of this year.
The collaboration integrates Microsoft Intune with Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect, creating a system that lets IT departments manage cellular-connected PCs with the same level of control usually found in traditional enterprise networks. The platform continuously monitors network conditions and automatically adjusts connectivity to maintain performance and security across different service providers.
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By embedding AI-based 5G management directly into Windows 11, IT teams can automate connectivity rules and switch between communications service providers without requiring user input. Devices can follow company policies automatically, helping enterprises keep standards consistent across remote and mobile work environments.
Microsoft and Ericsson overcoming barriers
Through Microsoft Intune and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect, administrators can enforce secure connectivity profiles and enterprise policies across every 5G-enabled device. This reduces manual setup while keeping deployments consistent and compliant regardless of where employees are working.
The companies say automation helps overcome long-running barriers that have slowed adoption of cellular-connected laptops in enterprise environments. Managing devices across multiple regions and carriers has often required hands-on setup, while the new system allows centralized control with less IT overhead.
The announcement follows several multi-market pilot programs carried out with carrier partners that helped test the integration and demonstrate how AI-driven connectivity decisions could support more reliable performance for enterprise workloads.
Initial enterprise bundles include Surface Copilot+ PCs with Microsoft 365, Intune, and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect. The bundle gives organizations a starting point for deploying always-connected laptops that remain managed and secure even outside office networks.
At MWC Barcelona 2026, Microsoft and Ericsson are showcasing the solution with demonstrations including remote network policy assignment for 5G prioritization, automatic eSIM switching, and a local AI agent running on a Surface 5G laptop.
Erik Ekudden, CTO at Ericsson, said: “AI-powered 5G laptops are redefining how and where work gets done. 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. This joint solution has the potential to transform enterprise IT and employee ways of working around the world.”
Ian LeGrow, Corporate Vice President, Core OS at Microsoft, added: “Windows 11 is the optimal enterprise platform for deploying and managing 5G-connected PCs at scale. With the new 5G management capabilities of Windows 11, now being piloted first with Surface Copilot+ PCs and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect, Enterprise IT teams can use Microsoft Intune to seamlessly provision, manage, and secure both devices and 5G connectivity. Together, Windows, Intune, Surface, and Ericsson enable organizations to confidently deploy AI-ready PCs and keep employees securely connected and productive wherever work happens.”
The solution is currently available to enterprise customers in selected markets, including the United States with T-Mobile, Sweden with Telenor, Singapore with Singtel, and Japan with SoftBank Corp. Additional launches are planned during 2026 in Spain with MasOrange, Germany with O2 Telefónica Germany, and Finland with Elisa.
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