Mikko Lavanti on How Nokia Charts the Path to the AI-Native Future

Why It Matters

AI‑native networks give operators new revenue streams and faster service innovation, cementing Nokia’s competitive edge in the evolving 5G‑Advanced and future 6G landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Agentic AI slicing demo attracted 150+ visiting teams.
• Nokia plans pilots then live trials for 5G‑Advanced slicing.
• AI‑native SMO integrates RAN, intent‑based orchestration, marketplace.
• Partnerships with NVIDIA boost AI RAN and edge capabilities.
• Targeted rollouts for UAE, Saudi Arabia, and cost‑optimized Africa packages.

Pulse Analysis

The telecom sector is at a tipping point as AI moves from a supporting role to the core of network architecture. Nokia’s showcase at MWC 2026 highlighted an agentic AI‑driven slicing solution that can dynamically allocate resources based on real‑time intent, a capability that promises to slash operational costs while boosting spectral efficiency. By embedding inference engines directly into the radio access network, operators can react to traffic spikes and service demands without human intervention, a shift that aligns with the broader industry push toward autonomous networks.

Technical depth underpins Nokia’s strategy. The company’s Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) platform now fuses AI models, AirScale RAN hardware, and a marketplace layer that enables developers to expose slice APIs as services. The partnership with NVIDIA, a major shareholder since Q4 2025, supplies the GPU‑accelerated compute needed for edge AI, allowing closed‑loop control and real‑time analytics at the radio edge. This integration not only improves energy efficiency but also prepares the infrastructure for generative AI workloads that will be essential for 6G’s ultra‑low‑latency use cases.

From a market perspective, Nokia is tailoring its AI‑native offerings to the diverse economics of the Middle East and Africa. High‑ARPU markets such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia will receive full‑feature, intent‑based slicing bundles, while cost‑optimized packages aim to unlock 5G adoption in price‑sensitive African regions. By moving quickly from demonstration to live trials, Nokia seeks to lock in operator contracts that monetize AI‑enhanced services, setting the stage for a seamless transition from 5G‑Advanced to an autonomous, AI‑driven 6G ecosystem. This approach not only drives new revenue streams but also reinforces Nokia’s position as a leading enabler of the next generation of mobile networks.