AI-RAN

The telecom industry is entering a new phase of transformation driven by the AI supercycle. Generative AI is scaling rapidly. Agentic AI systems are beginning to operate autonomously. And we are seeing the early rise of physical AI, intelligence embedded in machines, infrastructure and real-world systems that interact dynamically with their environment.

AI-RAN positions telecommunication providers at the center of this shift. It transforms the radio network from a connectivity layer into a distributed multi-purpose computing platform capable of supporting and monetizing AI workloads at the edge.

AI-RAN enables three major opportunities:

• Monetize the AI supercycle by hosting generative AI, agentic AI and physical AI workloads at the RAN edge, unlocking new enterprise and industrial revenue streams.
• Meet the performance demands of AI-native applications, including guaranteed ultra-low latency and massive uplink capacity, through AI-optimized radio network architectures.
• Future-proof the network for 6G, where integrated AI capabilities, sensing, and computing will be native to the network design.

Widespread commercial AI-RAN deployments are expected closer to 2028, and Nokia is leading this transition together with industry partners. What stands out today is the pace of tangible progress:

• Integrated AI capabilities in our commercial products are delivering measurable RAN business outcomes in customer networks
• First to announce and trial GPU-based RAN architectures with customers, including T-Mobile, SoftBank, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Elisa
• Co-innovating with leading companies such as NVIDIA and Dell Technologies

As a founding member of the AI-RAN Alliance, Nokia is helping shape the industry roadmap and accelerating the transition toward fully AI-native networks.