Nokia promised significant hikes in spectral efficiency over the next two years as it launched an AI-native RAN platform which relies heavily on Nvidia systems.

The AI-RAN platform is already capable of boosting spectral efficiency by 20% and Nokia stated gains of 50% and 100% would be delivered in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

It hailed the platform as “one of the most significant shifts in radio network architecture in decades”. It hopes to deliver pilot deployments by the end of the year and commercial availability in 2027.

The platform uses Nokia’s anyRAN software so operators running other network vendor’s equipment today can use it, but the bulk of the services available through Nvidia’s systems are reserved for those already using the Finnish provider’s AirScale range.

A GPU-based AirScale capacity plug-in is pitched “as the most efficient path forward”, for example. It brings Nvidia compute capabilities into current networks, “preserving existing” investments and offering the option to employ chips from Marvell Technology.

Nokia also launched a standalone AI-RAN node employing GPUs which can run on 4G and 5G networks, with forward compatibility to likely 6G infrastructure.

Various configurations are available comprising a one-node deployment, clusters and as part of a single logical base station.

GPUs also form the heart of a commercial off-the-shelf server available from Nokia’s partners which it stated would tackle any supply chain worries.

The vendor followed in rival Ericsson’s footsteps by unveiling a subscription-based model enabling operators to access software-based upgrades to equipment without swapping hardware.

Nokia president and CEO Justin Hotard said AI-RAN “makes the network intelligent” and would help operators maximise the capabilities of their current infrastructure.

Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia, hailed the step as the dawn of a new era for the telecoms sector as the companies turn “RAN into a planet-scale AI computer”.

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Taiwan Mobile and Nokia expanded a contract for 5G kit with a view to pushing the operator’s move towards AI-native mobile network architecture.

The deal involves the supply of products from Nokia’s AirScale portfolio including next-generation baseband and radio systems, alongside software providing the operator’s network with an AI boost.

Nokia highlighted the radios and baseband units support improvements in throughput, spectrum efficiency and delivery of premium user experiences. On the software side, it pointed to an opportunity for real-time automation and predictive analysis to bolster operational efficiency.

The boost in network capacity and uplink delivered by the upgrade is also promoted as meeting the specific needs of AI applications.

Other benefits noted include use of AI for power management to cut energy consumption and traffic steering capabilities to up resilience.

Taiwan Mobile president Jamie Lin explained its collaboration with Nokia is key in a “strategy to build a high-performance, resilient and sustainable network”, which is the basis for a “Telco and Tech” push by the company.

Nokia head of RAN Mark Atkinson added the deal would help accelerate Taiwan Mobile’s “journey toward AI-native networks”, noting the equipment being supplied would set “the foundation for 5G-Advanced and beyond”.

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