NVIDIA and Nokia Partner to Build AI-Ready 6G Networks
NVIDIA and Nokia have announced a strategic partnership to create the world’s first AI-native platform for mobile networks. The collaboration aims to accelerate the shift from 5G to 6G by using AI to power smarter, faster, and more adaptive connectivity.
To support this effort, NVIDIA will invest $1 billion in Nokia. The partnership was unveiled at GTC Washington, D.C., where both companies emphasized their goal of transforming telecommunications through AI.
AI-RAN: The Foundation of 6G Innovation
At the core of this alliance lies AI-RAN (AI-powered Radio Access Network) — a next-generation system that merges connectivity, computing, and sensing. Nokia will embed NVIDIA’s Aerial RAN Computer Pro (ARC-Pro) into its RAN portfolio, making it ready for the 6G era.
With this integration, telecom operators can move from 5G to AI-native 6G networks through simple software upgrades. As a result, they can reduce energy use, boost performance, and manage growing AI-driven data traffic more efficiently.
T-Mobile and Dell Join the 6G Race
Meanwhile, T-Mobile U.S. is already working with Nokia and NVIDIA to test and validate AI-RAN technologies. Field trials will begin in 2026, focusing on network performance and energy efficiency.
At the same time, Dell Technologies will power the new AI-RAN systems with its PowerEdge servers. These servers offer scalable performance and low-latency processing, helping operators deliver faster and more reliable connections. This edge computing approach ensures data is processed closer to users, where speed and privacy matter most.
Building Future-Proof 6G Infrastructure
Together, NVIDIA and Nokia are building a platform where AI and radio access workloads can run on the same system. This software-defined approach allows operators to add new features through updates, ensuring a seamless transition to future technologies.
Furthermore, the joint platform opens opportunities for new AI-powered experiences, such as real-time sensing, autonomous drones, and extended reality devices. As AI traffic grows rapidly, this partnership ensures global networks are ready for billions of connected devices that demand speed and intelligence.
AI and Connectivity at the Edge
Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, called telecom infrastructure “the most valuable real estate for AI.” He said that distributing intelligence across millions of edge nodes will unlock the full potential of AI-driven networks.
By combining computing and communication, NVIDIA and Nokia are laying the foundation for the AI-native 6G era. Their alliance marks a new step toward networks that learn, adapt, and deliver smarter connectivity for the future.
