SoftBank and Nokia Collaborate on AI-RAN and 6G Research
On September 11, SoftBank and Nokia signed a memorandum of understanding on joint research and development for the realization of AI-RAN and 6G. Through this joint research, the two companies aim to provide flexible, high-speed, and highly reliable communication networks....
2024/10/08
Posted on 2024/10/08
On September 11, SoftBank and Nokia signed a memorandum of understanding on joint research and development for the realization of AI-RAN and 6G. Through this joint research, the two companies aim to provide flexible, high-speed, and highly reliable communication networks.
AI-RAN is a technology that combines AI and radio access networks (RAN) to create next-generation mobile networks. Such RAN systems are expected to improve operational efficiency by automatically managing and optimizing radio frequency bands and traffic.
Through this partnership, the two companies will jointly develop AI-RAN using Nokia's vRAN platform and conduct centimeter wave demonstrations that are expected to be used for 6G.
Nokia and Softbank are founding members of the AI-RAN Alliance, which aims to improve the performance and efficiency of existing RANs using AI. The alliance also includes Ericsson, Samsung, Microsoft, and T-Mobile US.
According to a report by Research and Markets, the size of the AI-approachable market for RANs is projected to grow 45% annually between 2024 and 2028.
