Ericsson has emulated arch-rival Nokia by creating a private 5G network division capable of targeting enterprises directly, rather than only in partnership with operators. This is the culmination of a gradual change of direction at Ericsson, which has seen the success of Nokia in addressing private wireless, with or without the involvement of an MNO. The acquisition of Cradlepoint last year, and the establishment of a private networks unit, indicated that Ericsson was softening its stance that it would not compromise good relations with its key clients by bypassing operators in an enterprise 5G scenario. That strategy was adopted by CEO Börje Ekholm when he took the helm, but now Ericsson can see the need for a flexible approach to…