Samsung and SoftBank team up on AI-RAN for next-gen telecom

Samsung Electronics and SoftBank Corp. have collaborated to develop advanced AI-RAN technologies to enhance next-generation telecommunications infrastructure.

The partnership will combine Samsung’s expertise in network solutions with SoftBank’s extensive operational data to advance automation and intelligence in wireless networks.

The companies plan to explore how AI can optimise network efficiency, improve real-time decision-making, and dynamically manage radio resources to deliver faster, more reliable connections. AI-RAN technologies are expected to play a key role in the evolution of 6G networks, where managing complex data flows and ensuring energy-efficient operations will become essential.

Dr Junehee Lee, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics, said the collaboration represents ‘an important step toward realising autonomous networks powered by AI.’ He noted that such systems can predict network conditions, self-adjust to maintain quality of service, and reduce human intervention in operations.

Junichi Miyakawa, President and CEO of SoftBank, emphasised that the project aligns with SoftBank’s long-term vision to build smarter, more resilient telecommunications infrastructure. ‘By combining our operational insights with Samsung’s technology leadership, we aim to accelerate innovation in network automation and deliver superior experiences to users,’ he said.

The two companies will begin joint trials in Japan using Samsung’s virtualised RAN (vRAN) and Open RAN solutions. These trials will focus on applying machine learning models to radio network optimisation, particularly in urban environments with high data demand.

Both firms view AI-RAN as a foundation for future communications systems that can autonomously adapt to network load and interference, setting the stage for a new generation of intelligent, energy-efficient mobile connectivity.

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