Nokia has expanded its partnership with SoftBank to supply advanced 4G and 5G radio access equipment across Western Japan. The new agreement focuses on modernizing SoftBank’s existing infrastructure and expanding 5G standalone coverage using Nokia’s energy-efficient AirScale portfolio.
The deployment includes Nokia’s latest Habrok Massive MIMO radios, AirScale baseband units powered by ReefShark chipsets, and the AI-driven MantaRay solution for improved network automation and performance. These technologies aim to enhance capacity, coverage, and energy efficiency while supporting SoftBank’s transition to advanced 5G networks.
Executives from both companies highlighted the role of AI and energy-efficient design in improving network quality and reducing emissions. Nokia and SoftBank are also collaborating through the AI-RAN Alliance and working jointly on R&D for AI-RAN and 6G technologies, including field trials in Tokyo using the 7 GHz band and Massive MIMO.
Shafana Fazal
