Nokia reports expanding operator interest in AI-powered radio access networks built on NVIDIA technology

Nokia said Wednesday that adoption of its AI-RAN approach is gaining ground among mobile network operators worldwide, as carriers move toward networks designed with artificial intelligence built into their core architecture rather than added on afterward.

The Finnish telecommunications equipment maker framed the development as part of a broader industry shift toward “AI-native” network operations, in which radio access infrastructure runs on computing platforms capable of handling AI workloads alongside traditional cellular processing.

Central to the effort is Nokia’s work with NVIDIA, whose chips and software platforms serve as the computing foundation for AI-RAN deployments. NVIDIA, classified in the semiconductors industry, is currently valued at approximately $5.56 trillion, with shares trading at $223.67, down 0.73% from the prior close of $225.31.

AI-RAN, or artificial intelligence radio access network, refers to a redesign of the cell site and baseband equipment that connects mobile devices to carrier networks. By consolidating networking and AI processing on shared hardware, vendors including Nokia argue that operators can run network optimization algorithms in real time, improve spectral efficiency, and eventually monetize excess compute capacity at the network edge.

For Nokia, the announcement positions the company within a competitive race among radio equipment suppliers to define the next generation of mobile infrastructure. The push toward AI-native networks is expected to feature prominently in industry roadmaps for 6G, even as 5G rollouts continue in many markets.

The company did not disclose specific operator names, contract values, or deployment figures in the announcement, describing the update instead as evidence of broad global momentum across its customer base.

What to watch

• Nokia’s upcoming quarterly results, where management commentary on AI-RAN commercial wins and pipeline could provide more concrete figures.
• Operator announcements naming specific AI-RAN deployments or trial markets.
• NVIDIA’s next earnings report, which may detail telecommunications as a growing vertical for its data center platforms.
• Industry standards work and trade-show demonstrations ahead of expected 6G specification timelines.

Source: original release