With a $1 billion investment, NVIDIA teams up with Nokia to drive AI-powered 5G-Advanced and 6G networks, promising more innovative services and faster speeds.
NVIDIA and Nokia have announced a global partnership to speed up the development and rollout of next-generation AI-powered mobile networks. The collaboration will see Nokia introduce new artificial intelligence radio access network (AI-RAN) products using NVIDIA technology, targeting commercial deployment of 5G-Advanced and future 6G systems.
The move marks what the companies describe as a major shift towards AI-native wireless infrastructure. NVIDIA has also committed a US$1 billion investment in Nokia, pending standard approvals.
An integral part of the partnership is the launch of NVIDIA’s Aerial RAN Computer Pro (ARC-Pro). This is a telecommunications computing platform designed to handle connectivity, processing and sensing in one system. It is promoted as ‘6G-ready’, allowing operators to evolve networks through software updates instead of replacing equipment.
Nokia will embed the ARC-Pro platform across its radio access products, supporting existing deployments and new buildouts. The upgrade will extend its AirScale portfolio into the next wave of mobile technology, including advanced edge-AI capabilities.
US carrier T-Mobile will work with both companies to trial AI-RAN as part of its 6G testing programme. Trials are scheduled to begin in 2026 and will focus on efficiency improvements and real-world performance for customers.
Dell Technologies will provide PowerEdge servers to support the rollout of the AI-RAN solution. The aim is to help telecom operators handle soaring AI-driven mobile traffic and enable emerging applications, including drones, autonomous systems, and augmented reality.
Both companies say the partnership will improve network performance while lowering energy use, enabling operators to introduce new AI-based consumer and enterprise services. It also lays the groundwork for a smoother transition from today’s networks to AI-native 6G over the coming years.
Industry analysts estimate that the AI-RAN segment could reach more than US$200 billion in cumulative market value by 2030, creating a significant new revenue opportunity for operators.
