NVIDIA has unveiled a surprise alliance with Nokia aimed at shaping the future of mobile networks, bringing AI-powered 6G connectivity closer to reality. Announced during the GTC 2025 keynote, the collaboration blends NVIDIA’s AI compute stack with Nokia’s telecom expertise to deliver an AI-native wireless era that supports next-generation consumer experiences and enterprise-grade services at the edge. As part of the deal, NVIDIA is investing $1 billion in Nokia at a price of $6.01 per share.
At the heart of this push is NVIDIA’s new ARC platform, short for Aerial RAN Computer. ARC is designed for 6G-readiness by fusing radio access network software with the CUDA platform to accelerate performance from the ground up. The system will leverage NVIDIA Grace CPUs alongside Blackwell GPUs, giving carriers and infrastructure providers massive on-site compute power for distributed edge AI inferencing—directly inside the RAN. This marks a significant shift from traditional base stations to highly capable, AI-enhanced network nodes.
Nokia will integrate ARC and ARC-Pro deeply into its RAN portfolio, while also accelerating the availability of its 5G and 6G RAN software on the CUDA platform. The goal is a smooth migration path for mobile operators: from today’s 5G deployments to tomorrow’s AI-RAN architectures without rip-and-replace disruptions. By embedding advanced compute into existing RAN buildouts, operators can modernize networks faster, scale edge AI workloads efficiently, and prepare for the latency-sensitive applications expected in the 6G era.
Why it matters goes beyond speed. AI-native RANs are designed to make networks more adaptive and intelligent at the edge, enabling new services for consumers and businesses, from immersive applications to real-time analytics and automation. With distributed inferencing in the field, carriers can push decision-making closer to users and devices, reducing backhaul strain and improving responsiveness.
The first real-world step comes in 2026, when T-Mobile is set to begin field tests of these AI-RAN technologies in the United States. That trial phase will help validate performance and pave the way for broader 6G innovations.
Key takeaways:
– NVIDIA and Nokia are joining forces to build AI-native RAN solutions for 6G.
– NVIDIA’s ARC platform integrates RAN software with the CUDA stack and features Grace CPUs and Blackwell GPUs for on-site AI acceleration.
– Nokia will embed ARC-Pro in its RAN portfolio and fast-track its 5G/6G software on CUDA to ease operator transitions to AI-RAN.
– NVIDIA is investing $1 billion in Nokia as part of the partnership.
– T-Mobile plans to begin field testing AI-RAN technologies in 2026, setting the stage for 6G in the U.S.
This partnership positions both companies—and the carriers they serve—to unlock new revenue opportunities, strengthen network performance at the edge, and move the industry toward a 6G landscape built around AI from day one.
