Imagine a future where your smartphone connects seamlessly, with lightning-fast speeds and zero lag—all while being kinder to the planet. That's the vision Nokia and SoftBank are bringing to life in Japan. But here's where it gets controversial: Can cutting-edge AI-powered networks truly balance performance and sustainability? Let’s dive in.
In a groundbreaking move, Nokia has expanded its partnership with SoftBank Corp. to modernize and expand Japan’s 4G and 5G networks. This deal isn’t just about upgrading infrastructure—it’s a leap toward Advanced-5G networks, powered by Nokia’s latest AirScale portfolio and the AI-driven MantaRay solution. These technologies promise unparalleled performance and industry-leading energy efficiency, addressing the growing demand for faster, greener connectivity.
Mark Atkinson, Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This partnership showcases the strength of our long-standing relationship with SoftBank. By integrating AI capabilities into our solutions, we’re not just enhancing network performance—we’re redefining what’s possible in energy efficiency and sustainability.”
But this isn’t Nokia and SoftBank’s first rodeo together. As founding members of the AI-RAN Alliance, they’re already pushing boundaries in AI-RAN and 6G technologies. Their joint initiatives include research, field trials, and the development of a virtualized RAN platform. And this is the part most people miss: Both companies are testing 6G in Tokyo’s 7 GHz frequency band using Massive MIMO technology, a move that could reshape the future of wireless communication.
Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO of SoftBank Corp, emphasized the impact of this partnership: “By leveraging Nokia’s AI-powered solutions, we’re building a 5G network that’s not only unique and high-quality but also environmentally conscious. Our customers will experience improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and a superior user experience.”
Here’s the controversial question: As networks evolve, will the focus on sustainability slow down technological advancements, or can they coexist harmoniously? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective.
Nokia’s mission extends beyond this partnership. As a B2B technology leader, they’re pioneering networks that sense, think, and act through innovations in mobile, fixed, and cloud networks. With Nokia Bell Labs—celebrating a century of innovation—leading long-term research, the company is creating value through intellectual property and open architectures that integrate seamlessly into any ecosystem. Their high-performance networks are trusted by service providers, enterprises, and partners worldwide to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable connectivity today—and to shape the digital future tomorrow.
So, what do you think? Is the future of networking as bright as Nokia and SoftBank envision? Or are there challenges we’re not yet addressing? Let’s start the conversation!
