NVIDIA Invests $1 Billion in Nokia — A Bold Move Toward AI-Powered 6G Networks

On October 28, NVIDIA and Nokia announced a landmark strategic partnership aimed at reshaping the telecom industry. Nokia will integrate NVIDIA’s technology into its RAN (Radio Access Network) portfolio to launch commercial AI-RAN products, enabling carriers to deploy AI-native 5G-A and 6G networks. NVIDIA will also invest $1 billion at $6.01 per share, becoming Nokia’s second-largest shareholder.

The market reacted instantly — Nokia’s stock surged 23% to a decade high, while NVIDIA’s valuation crossed the $5 trillion mark, setting a new global record.

Though long past its mobile phone heyday, Nokia remains a powerhouse in network technology. Its Bell Labs boasts over 30,000 patents and 15 Nobel laureates. With NVIDIA’s AI expertise, the century-old company is stepping firmly into the AI-driven communications era.

The partnership focuses on two core areas: “AI for RAN,” to boost spectrum efficiency and reduce energy use; and “AI on RAN,” to extend AI inference to network edges for ultra-low latency applications such as autonomous driving and industrial robotics.

Starting in 2026, NVIDIA, Nokia, and T-Mobile will jointly test the new AI-RAN system in real-world conditions. The move not only accelerates 6G development but also signals the dawn of AI-native communication networks worldwide.