Global Finance News
31 Mar 2026, 11:27
DOCOMO and SK Telecom outline roadmap for AI-driven mobile networks
31 March 2026 — NTT DOCOMO, INC. and SK Telecom released a joint white paper detailing key requirements for advancing virtualized radio access networks (vRAN) and the transition toward AI-powered RAN (AI-RAN).
The report identifies three core technological pillars for next-generation mobile networks: strict separation of hardware and software to accelerate innovation, resource pooling to improve efficiency and reduce power consumption, and the integration of AI computing capabilities within network infrastructure.
The companies highlighted that vRAN evolution will enable more flexible and software-driven network operations, while AI-RAN aims to transform base stations into platforms capable of delivering both connectivity and AI services.
This initiative builds on ongoing collaboration between the two operators since 2022, focusing on 5G evolution and 6G development. Both companies emphasized that closer cooperation between telecom operators and equipment vendors will be essential to accelerate innovation and global standardization in future mobile networks.
31 March 2026 — NTT DOCOMO, INC. and SK Telecom released a joint white paper detailing key requirements for advancing virtualized radio access networks (vRAN) and the transition toward AI-powered RAN (AI-RAN).
The report identifies three core technological pillars for next-generation mobile networks: strict separation of hardware and software to accelerate innovation, resource pooling to improve efficiency and reduce power consumption, and the integration of AI computing capabilities within network infrastructure.
The companies highlighted that vRAN evolution will enable more flexible and software-driven network operations, while AI-RAN aims to transform base stations into platforms capable of delivering both connectivity and AI services.
This initiative builds on ongoing collaboration between the two operators since 2022, focusing on 5G evolution and 6G development. Both companies emphasized that closer cooperation between telecom operators and equipment vendors will be essential to accelerate innovation and global standardization in future mobile networks.