Nokia and SoftBank plan to conduct field testing using centimeter waves, considered a key enabler of 6G
Japanese operator SoftBank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nokia for joint research on new communications technologies, the former said in a release. The agreement scope includes the development of a communication system that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) aimed at the development of AI-RAN and 6G technology.
Specifically, the companies plan to collaborate on the development of AI-RAN using Nokia’s virtualized Radio Access Network (Cloud RAN) platform and conduct field testing using centimeter waves, which are expected to be utilized for 6G.
“The innovative, next-generation communication system enabled by AI-RAN and 6G could bring fundamental changes to societies and economies by providing faster and highly flexible wider-range connectivity. It could also open up possibilities for the development of smart cities, industrial automation, and even the creation of new business models,” SoftBank said. “Under the agreement, SoftBank, leveraging its deep knowledge and extensive experience as a network operator, and Nokia, with its global leadership in network technologies, will jointly lead the research and development of 6G networks to further drive innovation in next-generation communication system. The MoU aims to deliver elastic, high-speed, and reliable communication networks that contribute to the development of a digital society.”
Through this joint project, SoftBank hopes to develop its expertise for the practical application of AI-RAN and 6G to address the challenges of a digital society.
Nokia and SoftBank are founding members of the AI-RAN Alliance, which was established in February with the aim of improving RAN performance and capability using AI.
Alliance members said they will leverage their technology expertise to focus on three main areas of research and innovation:
- AI for RAN – advancing RAN capabilities through AI to improve spectral efficiency.
- AI and RAN – integrating AI and RAN processes to utilize infrastructure more effectively and generate new AI-driven revenue opportunities.
- AI on RAN – deploying AI services at the network edge through RAN to increase operational efficiency and offer new services to mobile users.
The AI-RAN Alliance also aims to support the creation of new business opportunities in the 5G and 6G eras.
Other founding members of the alliance include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Arm, DeepSig, Ericsson, Microsoft, Northeastern University, NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics and T-Mobile USA.
