Nokia flags AI-RAN progress as radio networks post double-digit growth
Nokia reported Q3 net sales up 10% year on year and said AI-RAN is moving toward commercial deployment, citing live trials with T-Mobile and Elisa. Radio networks grew 10% at constant currency, while core software fell 13%. AI and cloud sales rose 123% at constant currency and supported growth in IP and optical networks.
Nokia’s third-quarter revenue reached EUR 5.154 billion, equivalent to $5.77 billion, a 10% yearly rise. Comparable operating profit climbed 35% to EUR 605 million, and the comparable margin widened to 11.7%. Mobile infrastructure advanced 5%, while radio networks added 10% at constant currency; core software slipped 13%.
The AI-RAN effort pairs Nokia’s AI-native anyRAN software with Nvidia’s Aerial-RAN computer. T-Mobile completed a live voice call on its production network, and Elisa simultaneously carried voice, mobile data and AI workloads on a commercial platform. Nokia presents the design as offering a software route toward 6G.
The shift toward AI-RAN may affect mobile operators, equipment suppliers, enterprises and everyday users. If commercial deployments mature, networks could handle more data and support robotics, automation and augmented reality, potentially changing industrial workflows and consumer connectivity. Operators may face new investment and skills demands, while customers could see performance gains or pricing changes depending on how costs are recovered. The timeline and real-world benefits remain uncertain.