NVIDIA Drops $1 Billion on Nokia to Build AI-Powered 6G Networks

Nokia and NVIDIA have announced a new partnership to develop AI-driven wireless network technology for the next generation of mobile connectivity. The deal includes a $1 billion investment from NVIDIA into Nokia at $6.01 per share, pending regulatory approval.

The collaboration will see Nokia integrate NVIDIA’s computing platforms into its radio access network (RAN) systems, creating AI-RAN products capable of running artificial intelligence tasks directly within mobile networks. The goal is to help carriers transition from today’s 5G networks to AI-native 5G-Advanced and 6G systems, which can self-optimize and handle data-intensive AI applications in real time. AI everything is here, folks.

According to research firm Omdia, the AI-RAN market could reach $200 billion by 2030 as telecom operators move toward more intelligent and automated networks.

The companies say their partnership will allow communication providers to deliver faster, more efficient connections for everything from generative AI tools and drones to augmented and virtual reality devices. Trials with T-Mobile U.S. are set to begin in 2026, focusing on field tests of the new system’s performance and power efficiency.

NVIDIA is introducing a new chip platform called Aerial RAN Computer Pro (ARC-Pro). The ARC-Pro acts like the brain of a cell tower, using AI to make mobile networks faster and smarter. It also lets carriers like Nokia and T-Mobile upgrade from 5G to 6G with simple software updates instead of replacing costly hardware.

In Canada, Bell, Telus and Eastlink are customers of Nokia’s 5G tech, so they could potentially take advantage of NVIDIA’s ARC-Pro in the future. Rogers uses 5G tech from Ericsson for its 5G network across the country.

Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s CEO, announced more about the Aerial RAN Computer today at the company’s GTC October 2025 Keynote, held in Washington, DC, that just ended moments ago.

The two companies will also explore joint development of AI networking and data centres systems, including Nokia’s optical and Ethernet technologies for NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure.