Nvidia $1 Billion Investment Accelerates Nokia AI-RAN and 6G Push
Nvidia has announced a billion-dollar equity investment in Finnish telecom equipment firm Nokia, acquiring a 2.9% stake at a subscription price of $6.01 per share. The deal is a cornerstone of a broader strategy aimed at accelerating the advancement of next-generation mobile networks by combining artificial intelligence capabilities with innovative radio access network (RAN) technologies. This collaboration is set to reshape the landscape of wireless connectivity, marking a critical push into the future of AI-powered telecommunications and the upcoming transition from 5G to 6G.
The proceeds from this investment will enable Nokia to accelerate its strategic efforts, specifically focusing on advancing trustworthy connectivity solutions as the global AI supercycle gains momentum. Nokia plans to use these funds to further its research and development in 5G and 6G networks, ensuring its RAN software will run on Nvidia’s accelerated computing platforms. This initiative supports Nokia’s ambition to extend its reach in the growing AI and cloud markets, particularly with data center-focused networking solutions.
At the core of this move is the development and deployment of AI-native mobile networks and infrastructure, including the introduction of the Nvidia Arc Aerial RAN Computer, a telecommunications computing platform designed for 6G readiness. Nokia is set to enhance its product offerings by incorporating this platform, expanding its global network access portfolio with new AI-RAN solutions. The companies have agreed to work together on data center communications, AI networking solutions, and integrating Nokia’s data center switching and optical technologies into Nvidia’s future AI infrastructure.
A key element of the new partnership involves working with T-Mobile US, which will collaborate with both Nvidia and Nokia to integrate and test AI-RAN technologies in its 6G network development process. The initial field trials are expected to begin next year and will focus on validating real-world efficiency gains and performance impacts for end users. Nokia and Nvidia’s AI-RAN systems are designed to support the exponential growth in mobile AI traffic, which is rapidly increasing as more consumers access advanced AI applications on mobile devices.
This alliance also leverages hardware from Dell Technologies, whose PowerEdge servers are expected to underpin the new AI-RAN solutions with scalable, high-performance infrastructure. By unifying AI and radio workloads on a software-defined, accelerated platform, the partnership seeks to provide seamless software upgrades and future-proof investments for the evolution toward 6G and beyond. AI algorithms will be applied to enhance spectrum and energy efficiency, optimize network performance, and enable new services for connected devices, including drones, vehicles, and immersive technologies.
The investment positions Nvidia as Nokia’s second-largest shareholder, strengthening both firms’ roles in shaping the future of telecom and AI infrastructure. As data center capital expenditure worldwide is forecast to exceed $1.7 trillion by 2030, driven largely by AI adoption, the collaboration between Nvidia and Nokia signals a significant step forward for the entire communications industry.
