Nvidia Invests $1B in Nokia to Boost AI-Driven 6G

Nvidia has announced a $1 billion investment in Nokia to accelerate the development of AI-driven wireless network technologies for 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and future 6G systems. The funding will be made through the issuance of new Nokia shares, giving Nvidia a 2.9% stake in the Finnish telecom equipment maker once regulatory conditions are met.

According to Nokia, the investment will support the development of its 5G and 6G radio access network (RAN) software using Nvidia’s AI architecture. The partnership also includes a broader collaboration on AI-native infrastructure, potentially expanding into data centre switching and optical technologies.

The companies stated that the AI-RAN initiative will form the foundation for distributed edge intelligence, enabling new services for both consumers and enterprises. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described the move as a key step in helping the United States “regain global leadership in telecom infrastructure”, emphasizing that AI-RAN will power “intelligent, adaptive networks” defining the next generation of connectivity.

Nokia CEO Justin Hotard noted that the collaboration represents more than just a move from 5G to 6G. He said it marks a fundamental redesign of networks where AI connectivity allows data to be processed seamlessly from data centres to the network edge.

Both companies believe AI-RAN will deliver higher performance and energy efficiency for mobile networks. They pointed out that nearly half of ChatGPT’s 800 million weekly users access the service via mobile devices, underlining the importance of improving mobile infrastructure.

Nvidia’s Aerial RAN Computer Pro (ARC-Pro) platform will support this transition, allowing telecom operators to upgrade from 5G-A to 6G through software updates. Nokia plans to integrate ARC-Pro into a new AI-RAN product aimed at simplifying the shift from traditional radio systems.

The partnership also involves Dell Technologies and T-Mobile US. Dell will provide PowerEdge servers that enable automated software updates with minimal hardware intervention. T-Mobile, which already collaborates with Nvidia on AI infrastructure, plans to test the new AI-RAN technologies in field trials beginning in 2026, focusing on performance and efficiency improvements.

T-Mobile’s President of Technology and CTO, John Saw, said the partnership marks “an important step towards shaping the future of connectivity,” particularly in preparation for 6G networks.

The collaboration between Nvidia, Nokia, Dell, and T-Mobile highlights growing efforts to merge AI and telecom innovation, positioning AI-RAN as a cornerstone of the next era of global communications.

Source: Mobile World Live