Nokia has announced an expanded partnership with SoftBank Corp. to enhance and extend Japan’s 4G and 5G networks. The new agreement covers the deployment of Nokia’s advanced AirScale Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions and AI-powered MantaRay platform across Western Japan, aimed at improving performance, capacity, and energy efficiency.
Advancing network performance with AI-driven technology
Under the deal, Nokia will modernise SoftBank’s existing infrastructure using its energy-efficient AirScale portfolio, which includes Habrok Massive MIMO radios and AirScale baseband equipment powered by its ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. The upgrade will help deliver ultra-fast connectivity with greater coverage and lower energy consumption.
The project will also integrate Nokia’s MantaRay solution, which leverages artificial intelligence for advanced network management and automation through Self-Organising Network (SON) capabilities. This addition aims to streamline operations, optimise performance, and support SoftBank’s transition towards advanced 5G networks.
Mark Atkinson, Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, said, “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.”
Joint innovation in AI-RAN and 6G research
Beyond the deployment, both companies continue their joint work through the AI-RAN Alliance, focusing on research and development in AI-powered radio access and next-generation 6G technologies. Their collaboration includes joint research projects, field trials, and efforts to develop a virtualised RAN platform that can adapt to future demands.
Nokia and SoftBank are conducting tests in the 7 GHz frequency band in Tokyo, exploring how Massive MIMO technology can drive innovation in 6G communications. This work underlines their shared commitment to shaping the future of mobile connectivity.
Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at SoftBank Corp., said, “This enhanced partnership with Nokia helps us to build a unique and high-quality 5G network powered by AI. The upgraded network will improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and deliver a superior user experience to our customers.”
Supporting Japan’s digital future
The partnership highlights both companies’ ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation. Nokia’s technology, designed with open architecture principles, allows seamless integration with existing systems while enabling operators like SoftBank to scale efficiently. The combination of AI and energy-efficient RAN solutions positions both firms to address Japan’s growing data demands and support the next phase of digital transformation.
Through this initiative, Nokia continues to strengthen its position as a key technology partner in Japan’s telecommunications landscape, working with service providers to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks that form the foundation for future digital services.
