NVIDIA and Nokia are partnering to accelerate the development and commercialisation of AI-native 6G wireless networks.
The collaboration involves integrating NVIDIA-powered AI-RAN (Radio Access Network) products into Nokia’s RAN portfolio to enable network operators to seamlessly transition to the next generation of AI-powered mobile connectivity.
6G represents a fundamental shift in the evolution of mobile networks beyond merely faster speeds. Unlike 5G, which dramatically enhanced mobile broadband and low-latency communications, 6G will embed AI at the core of the network itself to deliver intelligent, adaptive connectivity from the data centre to the edge.
It supports surging AI-driven mobile traffic from applications such as generative AI, augmented and virtual reality, drones, and robotics, as well as processes intelligence locally for improved efficiency, spectral use and energy savings.
The NVIDIA-Nokia 6G collaboration may just be the tonic for the US to regain telecommunications leadership, having lost out on the global rollout of 5G.
6G-ready platform
Under the partnership, NVIDIA has introduced Arc Aerial RAN Computer Pro (ARC-Pro), a 6G-ready telecommunications platform capable of combining connectivity, computing and sensing functions.
Nokia will embed this technology into its RAN software portfolio to allow operators to upgrade existing 5G infrastructure to AI-native 6G networks via software updates for a smooth, future-proofed evolution path.
Dell Technologies is also involved, providing high-performance PowerEdge servers designed for scalable AI-RAN deployments.
T-Mobile US has teamed up with Nokia and NVIDIA to field-test AI-RAN technologies starting in 2026. These tests aim to validate performance and efficiency improvements that will enable consumers to enjoy seamless experiences with AI-heavy applications and future AI-native devices.
With half of ChatGPT’s 800 million weekly active users access the service through mobile devices, telecommunications infrastructure must evolve to meet these demands.
“Built on NVIDIA CUDA and AI, AI-RAN will revolutionise telecommunications — a generational platform shift that empowers the United States to regain global leadership in this vital infrastructure technology. Together with Nokia and America’s telecom ecosystem, we’re igniting this revolution, equipping operators to build intelligent, adaptive networks that will define the next generation of global connectivity,” said Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA.
NVIDIA is making a US$1 billion equity investment in Nokia to acquire about 2.9 percent ownership through the purchase of about 166 million shares at US$6.01 each.
“The next leap in telecom isn’t just from 5G to 6G — it’s a fundamental redesign of the network to deliver AI-powered connectivity, capable of processing intelligence from the data center all the way to the edge. Our partnership with NVIDIA, and their investment in Nokia, will accelerate AI-RAN innovation to put an AI data centre into everyone’s pocket,” said Justin Hotard, President and CEO of Nokia.
Entelechy Asia 