Today’s telecom news includes announcements on NTT DOCOMO, Nokia, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio, DoT, Starlink, OneWeb, Ericsson, Telia, Vinnova, RISE, AstaZero, Future by Lund, among others.
Japan’s First AI-Driven Mobile Network: DOCOMO and Nokia Push Telecom Automation to New Heights
NTT DOCOMO has become the first telecom operator in Japan to deploy Nokia’s AI-powered MantaRay AutoPilot system for automated mobile network optimization, marking a major step toward autonomous network operations. The solution, launched on June 19, enables AI to automatically design network parameters, set optimization policies, and execute real-time adjustments based on changing traffic and congestion patterns. DOCOMO also achieved a world-first by running the system on a public cloud to optimize a commercial mobile network, accelerating deployment and scalability. Working alongside Nokia’s MantaRay SON platform, the technology can complete optimization cycles in as little as 15 minutes, helping deliver more stable connectivity and improved customer experiences while advancing DOCOMO’s goal of reaching Autonomous Networks Level 4.
Spectrum Showdown: Telcos Battle for Lower Costs as India Shapes the Future of Satellite Internet
India’s telecom operators, including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio, are intensifying efforts to secure lower backhaul spectrum charges from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), arguing that current fees inflate network deployment costs and slow broadband expansion. The discussions coincide with ongoing regulatory decisions on satellite internet services, a market set to attract players such as Starlink and OneWeb. Telecom companies are also seeking a level playing field between traditional mobile operators and satellite providers, particularly on spectrum pricing and regulatory obligations. The outcome of these deliberations could significantly influence telecom economics, accelerate 5G network expansion, improve rural connectivity and shape the rollout of next-generation satellite broadband services across India.
Sweden Unveils Groundbreaking 5G, 6G and AI Innovation Hub
Ericsson and Telia have launched Digital Arena Sweden, a national test center designed to accelerate the development of 5G, 6G and artificial intelligence technologies. The initiative, backed by Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova and supported by partners including RISE, AstaZero and Future by Lund, aims to give industries early access to next-generation connectivity and AI solutions. Ericsson said the platform will serve as one of the world’s first pre-commercial environments combining 5G, 6G and AI for testing applications such as AI agents, robotics and autonomous systems. With planned investments exceeding SEK300 million, the project is expected to support innovation across sectors including mining, transport, defense and medtech while contributing to global 6G standards development.
Vodafone’s Cloud Leap: AWS and Nokia Unlock a New Era for IoT Networks
Vodafone has completed a trial with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Nokia that demonstrated how Internet of Things (IoT) network applications can run effectively in a public cloud environment. The trial tested Nokia’s cloud-native IoT software on AWS infrastructure, showing that operators can scale IoT services more flexibly while reducing dependence on traditional on-premises network hardware. The initiative highlights Vodafone’s broader strategy to modernize telecom networks through cloud technologies, enabling faster deployment of new services and improved operational efficiency. By combining Nokia’s network expertise with AWS’s cloud capabilities, the partners aim to support growing demand for connected devices and enterprise IoT applications. The successful trial marks another step toward more agile, software-driven telecom networks capable of supporting future digital services and large-scale IoT growth.
SHAFANA FAZAL
