As telecom giants unite with NVIDIA, the race to build AI-native 6G networks accelerates, promising secure, open platforms to power global connectivity and innovation.
NVIDIA has announced a coalition with major telecom operators and technology providers to develop 6G wireless networks built on open, secure and AI-native platforms. The initiative, unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2026, brings together Booz Allen, BT Group, Cisco, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, MITRE, Nokia, ODC, SK Telecom, SoftBank Corp. and T-Mobile.
The collaboration aims to ensure that 6G infrastructure is open, resilient and trusted, while embedding artificial intelligence across radio access, edge and core networks.
Unlike legacy architectures, 6G is expected to support billions of autonomous machines, vehicles and sensors, creating heightened demands for security, interoperability and supply-chain resilience.
NVIDIA’s approach centres on AI-RAN, a software-defined architecture that integrates intelligence and decision-making into wireless systems.
By enabling real-time sensing and communications, the model seeks to accelerate innovation while maintaining global trust in next-generation connectivity.
Industry leaders emphasised the significance of the partnership. Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s chief executive, described telecommunications as the next frontier in AI-driven infrastructure.
Allison Kirkby of BT Group highlighted connectivity as the backbone of economic growth, while Deutsche Telekom’s Tim Höttges said the move would lay the foundations for the era of “physical AI.”
Executives from SK Telecom, SoftBank and T-Mobile echoed the importance of open, trusted platforms in shaping intelligent and secure networks.
Governments have also expressed support. Arielle Roth of the US National Telecommunications and Information Administration said, ““America’s 6G leadership will be critical to our nation’s economic prosperity, national security and global competitiveness.”
NVIDIA is already engaged in multiple initiatives worldwide, including the US-led OCUDU programme, Korea’s industry consortium, and partnerships with the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. It is also a founding member of the AI-RAN Alliance, which now includes more than 130 companies.
The company stated that together, these efforts reflect a shared vision to build secure, intelligent and software-defined 6G networks that underpin the future of global connectivity.
