Nokia targets doubled spectrum efficiency by 2028 as Orange demands real-world validation
Nokia announced plans to achieve 2x spectral efficiency improvements through AI-powered RAN technology by 2028, with intermediate gains of 20% demonstrated and 50% expected by mid-2027. Orange, however, is taking a cautious approach and plans to validate performance, energy consumption, and total cost of ownership on a limited basis before committing to network-wide deployment. The vendor is offering multiple deployment options including capacity cards, cloud-based AI solutions, and accelerated nodes, all running the same software platform.
Nokia's approach separates software from hardware, allowing operators to gain performance improvements through regular updates rather than costly equipment replacements. The company's AI-powered system continuously analyzes radio resource usage, delivering the most significant benefits in congested network areas where spectrum availability is limited. Three different hardware options—a capacity card, cloud-based solutions, and standalone accelerated nodes—all run the same underlying software, providing flexibility in deployment strategies.
Orange's measured stance reflects the operational realities of managing critical infrastructure. The carrier plans to test Nokia's technology in limited, controlled environments before deciding on broader implementation, examining whether real-world performance matches laboratory claims. This validation process addresses practical concerns including consistent performance across varying network conditions, power consumption impacts, and whether the total investment delivers genuine cost savings compared to alternative approaches.
If validated successfully, these developments could accelerate spectrum efficiency gains and extend network lifespan without constant hardware upgrades, potentially reducing telecommunications infrastructure costs and environmental impacts. However, the cautious approach by major operators like Orange may slow adoption timelines. Consumers could eventually benefit from improved network capacity and potentially lower service costs, while telecom companies face both opportunities and risks in transitioning to AI-driven infrastructure that requires different operational expertise and continuous software management.