Chunghwa Telecom and Nokia have signed a memorandum of understanding to research and validate AI RAN technologies, marking a concerted effort to develop advanced 5G and pre-6G network capabilities. The agreement was announced on Tuesday through a Chunghwa Telecom press release.
Chunghwa Telecom President Lin Rong-shy and Nokia Vice President of Marketing Strategy Steph Delvoye witnessed the signing ceremony. Under the terms of the memorandum, both companies will collaborate on research and development aimed at building faster future mobile networks.
AI RAN integrates artificial intelligence with signal deployment stations, using graphics processing units to accelerate data processing in place of traditional hardware. The approach is designed to deliver quicker internet access and more efficient network performance.
Chunghwa Telecom and Nokia Begin AI RAN Research
Lin stated that the partnership will focus on AI RAN, networks and edge inference, adding that operational efficiency and deployment are paramount priorities. Edge inference refers to the practice of running AI models on local devices such as smartphones or local servers rather than routing data through a cloud network. This method offers faster processing and ensures that only the device owners retain access to sensitive data.
Chunghwa Telecom Network Technology Group President Chia Chung-yung emphasised that future networks must be smarter, automated and programmable. Chia said the collaboration aims to deepen understanding of AI RAN technology by testing different AI models under different scenarios. The objective is to identify the best deployment strategies for 5G-Advanced and 6G networks and to deliver the best possible user experience.
AI RAN Testing Targets 5G-Advanced and 6G
Nokia Taiwan General Manager Magic Hsu described AI RAN as a milestone in mobile network development and a key technology bridging 5G with 6G networks. Hsu confirmed that Nokia will bring its global wireless network expertise, AI RAN capabilities, telecom network automation and AI infrastructure to the partnership.
The collaboration between Chunghwa Telecom Nokia executives underscores the growing importance of AI radio access network technologies in the evolution of next-generation mobile connectivity. By testing AI RAN technologies across various deployment scenarios, the two companies aim to validate the role of artificial intelligence in optimising both 5G-Advanced and future 6G networks.
Nokia and Chunghwa Telecom Define Collaboration Roles
Under the memorandum, Nokia will contribute its established strengths in network automation, wireless technology and AI infrastructure. Chunghwa Telecom, for its part, will bring its operational and service expertise to the research effort.
Chunghwa Telecom confirmed that the company will continue to invest in telecommunications technology to strengthen its expertise in digital infrastructure. The service provider also reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality service to its customers, positioning AI RAN development as a core component of its ongoing network strategy.
The partnership reflects the telecom industry’s increasing focus on integrating artificial intelligence into radio access networks as operators prepare for the transition from 5G-Advanced to 6G networks in the years ahead.