Ookla, Ericsson enable methodology for testing 5G network slices
February 23, 2026
Ookla, a specialist in connectivity intelligence, and Ericsson, the communications technology giant, have demonstrated a solution allowing users to measure and validate 5G network slicing performance. The companies say this collaboration marks a milestone in the 5G-Advanced era, providing a way to validate the Quality of Experience (QoE) essential for the next generation of mobile applications and use cases.
Historically, measuring the performance of an individual network slice from a consumer or enterprise device has been a significant technical challenge. Traditional speed tests measure the default internet connection.
Through this collaboration, Ookla and Ericsson developed a methodology that enables the Speedtest app to identify and test specific network slices. This breakthrough demonstrates how Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for differentiated services can finally be verified in real-time by both consumers using the Speedtest app and service providers. Crucially, this puts the power of verification directly into the hands of the consumer, allowing them to use the unique Speedtest app to independently validate that the performance they’ve purchased is being delivered as promised.
“Network slicing is no longer a future concept; it is a commercial reality. However, you cannot manage what you cannot measure,” commented Tibor Rathonyi, Senior Advisor at Ookla. “Our work with Ericsson is a pivotal first step in providing the transparency needed to prove the value of these premium 5G services to both consumers and enterprises.”
As 5G Standalone (SA) deployments scale globally, network slicing has emerged as the critical catalyst for 5G monetisation. The technology allows operators to create multiple virtual networks (slices) over a single physical infrastructure, each tailored to specific requirements:
- Ultra-low latency for gaming,
- High-bandwidth for 8K video streaming,
- Mission-critical reliability for industrial IoT and emergency services.
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