Nokia has signed a new agreement with SoftBank Corp. to modernize and expand its 4G and 5G mobile networks across Western Japan. The deal extends a long-standing collaboration between the two companies and focuses on upgrading existing infrastructure with Nokia’s latest AirScale radio access portfolio while broadening 5G standalone coverage.
The deployment includes Nokia’s AirScale Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions featuring Habrok Massive MIMO radios and AirScale baseband units powered by ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. These systems are designed to deliver higher performance, capacity, and energy efficiency. Nokia will also introduce its AI-driven MantaRay management platform, providing advanced Self-Organizing Network (SON) and analytics capabilities to optimize network performance and reduce operational costs.
The partnership builds on Nokia and SoftBank’s joint research in AI-RAN and 6G development as founding members of the AI-RAN Alliance. The two companies are conducting 6G field tests in Tokyo using Massive MIMO in the 7 GHz band and working toward the development of a virtualized RAN platform to enable next-generation mobile services.
• Nokia to modernize SoftBank’s 4G and 5G networks in Western Japan
• Deployment includes AirScale RAN, Habrok Massive MIMO, and ReefShark SoC
• MantaRay AI platform to improve energy efficiency and network automation
• Collaboration extends to AI-RAN and 6G field trials in Tokyo
• Builds on SoftBank’s drive for greener, higher-performance mobile networks
“This expanded collaboration with SoftBank demonstrates the strength of our long-standing partnership. Our solutions are infused with AI capabilities and provide unparalleled performance with industry-leading energy efficiency, supporting the evolution toward Advanced-5G networks,” said Mark Atkinson, Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia.
🌐 Analysis: Nokia’s latest win with SoftBank strengthens its foothold in Japan’s competitive 5G market, where Ericsson and Samsung also maintain key positions. The deal underscores Nokia’s strategy to emphasize AI-driven RAN management and energy-efficient hardware amid growing operator focus on sustainability. SoftBank’s parallel work with OpenAI through the new SB OAI Japan venture highlights its broader push to infuse AI across infrastructure and enterprise domains.
🌐 We’re tracking the latest developments in 5G and RAN modernization. Follow our ongoing coverage at: https://convergedigest.com/category/5g/
