Collaboration introduces new benchmarking framework to evaluate real-world 5G network slicing performance.
Ookla, a global leader in connected intelligence, and Ericsson, a pioneer in communications technology and 5G infrastructure, have jointly unveiled a groundbreaking innovation that enables users to directly measure and validate the performance of specific 5G network slices. This development represents a major advancement in the evolution toward the 5G-Advanced era and introduces a practical framework for verifying Quality of Experience (QoE) in next-generation mobile services.
A Breakthrough in 5G Network Slicing Validation
As 5G technology matures and transitions into 5G-Advanced, operators are increasingly turning to network slicing as a core monetization strategy. Network slicing allows telecom providers to create multiple virtualized networks—known as “slices”—on top of a shared physical infrastructure. Each slice can be optimized for a particular application, enterprise requirement, or consumer use case.
Despite the promise of network slicing, one persistent challenge has hindered its widespread commercial validation: the inability of end users to independently measure the performance of a specific slice from their devices. Traditional network testing tools measure only the default internet connection, making it impossible to distinguish whether a premium slice is delivering the guaranteed service level.
Through their collaboration, Ookla and Ericsson have solved this longstanding technical limitation. By developing a new methodology integrated into the Speedtest application, users can now identify, access, and test specific 5G network slices in real time. This capability allows for simultaneous and transparent Service Level Agreement (SLA) verification by both consumers and service providers.
This milestone brings a new level of accountability and transparency to 5G service delivery.
The Technical Challenge Behind Slice Measurement
Historically, measuring network performance has been straightforward when evaluating general internet connectivity. Speed, latency, jitter, and packet loss metrics can be captured using conventional speed tests. However, 5G network slicing introduces a layer of complexity.
Each slice is logically isolated and optimized for a particular function—whether that’s ultra-low latency, high throughput, or mission-critical reliability. Yet from a user’s smartphone or enterprise device, the network experience appears unified. Traditional tools have no visibility into whether traffic is routed through a dedicated slice or the default connection.
This lack of measurement capability has presented a significant barrier for operators seeking to commercialize differentiated 5G services. Enterprises signing SLAs for dedicated connectivity have had limited means to independently verify performance. Consumers purchasing premium gaming or streaming packages similarly lacked transparency.
Ookla and Ericsson addressed this challenge by enabling the Speedtest application to detect slice identifiers and conduct targeted performance tests within that specific network segment. The result is a solution that bridges the gap between network architecture and end-user validation.
Empowering Consumers and Enterprises
One of the most transformative aspects of this collaboration is the shift in verification power toward the end user.
For the first time, consumers can independently confirm whether the premium network service they purchased delivers the promised performance. If a mobile operator markets an ultra-low-latency slice optimized for cloud gaming, users can now directly test and confirm that latency levels meet expectations.
Enterprises benefit even more significantly. Organizations relying on dedicated slices for industrial IoT systems, automation, or mission-critical communications can now validate compliance with contractual SLAs in real time. This transparency fosters greater trust between operators and customers while reinforcing accountability in service delivery.
Tibor Rathonyi, Senior Advisor at Ookla, emphasized the importance of this development, stating that network slicing is no longer a theoretical concept but an operational and commercial reality. However, he noted that without measurement, effective management and monetization are impossible. The partnership with Ericsson lays the foundation for demonstrating the tangible value of differentiated 5G services to both businesses and consumers.
The Role of 5G Standalone (SA) in Monetization
The global rollout of 5G Standalone (SA) networks has been a critical enabler of advanced network slicing capabilities. Unlike non-standalone (NSA) deployments that rely partly on 4G infrastructure, SA networks operate entirely on a 5G core, allowing for more flexible and scalable slice configurations.
With SA architecture, operators can dynamically allocate resources and tailor network behavior to meet specific service requirements. This flexibility opens the door to new revenue streams built around premium connectivity tiers.
Network slicing enables operators to create virtual networks optimized for:
- Ultra-low latency applications: Ideal for cloud gaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and real-time interactive services.
- High bandwidth applications: Designed for 8K video streaming, immersive media, and large-scale content distribution.
- Mission-critical reliability: Supporting industrial IoT systems, autonomous vehicles, emergency response communications, and smart city infrastructure.
However, monetization depends on proving value. Without measurable validation tools, operators struggle to justify differentiated pricing models. The joint solution from Ookla and Ericsson provides the missing measurement layer needed to unlock sustainable business models.
Demonstration at MWC Barcelona 2026
The collaboration’s results will be showcased live at Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC) in Barcelona, one of the telecommunications industry’s most influential global events.
At Ericsson’s booth in Hall 2, attendees will experience a dedicated beta version of the Speedtest application capable of testing network slices in real time on Ericsson’s live 5G network within the venue.
The demonstration will include:
Parallel Comparison
Visitors will see a side-by-side comparison between standard 5G connectivity and a dedicated service slice. This intuitive visualization highlights performance differences in speed, latency, and other key metrics, offering a tangible representation of slice-based enhancements.
SLA Verification
The application will instantly display key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with a specific slice. These metrics validate whether the service meets guaranteed thresholds, effectively demonstrating real-time SLA compliance.
This live showcase provides a compelling preview of how operators can operationalize slice validation in commercial environments.
Transforming QoE Measurement in the 5G-Advanced Era
Quality of Experience (QoE) extends beyond raw network performance metrics. It encompasses how users perceive service quality during real-world interactions, such as streaming, gaming, or mission-critical communications.
In the 5G-Advanced era, where services become increasingly specialized, QoE measurement must evolve accordingly. By enabling slice-specific testing, the joint solution ensures that performance metrics align with the intended service objective.
For example:
- A gaming slice prioritizes ultra-low latency and jitter stability.
- A streaming slice emphasizes sustained high throughput.
- An industrial IoT slice focuses on reliability and consistent availability.
Validating these attributes in isolation ensures that each slice fulfills its design purpose, ultimately enhancing overall user satisfaction.
Strategic Implications for the Telecom Industry
This innovation carries broader implications for the telecommunications ecosystem:
- Increased Transparency: Independent validation strengthens customer confidence.
- Accelerated Enterprise Adoption: Measurable SLAs make dedicated slices more attractive to businesses.
- Enhanced Competitive Differentiation: Operators can clearly demonstrate premium service value.
- Regulatory Confidence: Transparent measurement frameworks may support compliance and reporting standards.
- Improved Network Optimization: Operators gain granular insight into slice performance.
As operators compete to monetize 5G investments, the ability to prove differentiated service performance becomes a decisive advantage.
About Ookla
Ookla is globally recognized for delivering connected intelligence through a portfolio of trusted brands, including Speedtest, Downdetector, Ekahau, and RootMetrics. By combining multi-source data analytics with industry expertise, Ookla transforms network performance metrics into actionable insights that guide strategic decisions for service providers, enterprises, and policymakers.
Its Speedtest platform, widely used by consumers worldwide, has become the de facto standard for measuring internet performance. Integrating slice-specific validation into this trusted platform dramatically expands its role in the 5G ecosystem.
About Ericsson
Ericsson has long been at the forefront of mobile network innovation. As a global supplier of 5G infrastructure, cloud-native network solutions, and advanced telecommunications systems, Ericsson plays a central role in shaping next-generation connectivity standards.
By partnering with Ookla, Ericsson demonstrates its commitment not only to building advanced networks but also to ensuring measurable, verifiable service quality.
A Milestone for the Future of Mobile Connectivity
The joint demonstration by Ookla and Ericsson signals a turning point in 5G commercialization. Network slicing is transitioning from a technical capability to a measurable, market-ready service offering. By enabling slice-level validation directly from consumer and enterprise devices, this innovation closes the loop between network design, service delivery, and user verification.
As 5G-Advanced continues to evolve, transparent performance validation will be essential for unlocking new digital experiences and revenue opportunities. From immersive entertainment to mission-critical industrial automation, the ability to independently verify service quality ensures that next-generation mobile applications can operate with confidence.
This collaboration not only advances technical capabilities but also strengthens trust across the telecommunications value chain—empowering users, supporting operators, and accelerating the realization of 5G’s full potential.
