AI-RAN Alliance Momentum Intensifies

Tech
By 24matins.uk,  published 5 March 2025 at 11h27, updated on 5 March 2025 at 11h27.
Tech

The momentum of the alliance between artificial intelligence and RAN is steadily growing, becoming increasingly powerful and influential.

Rapid Rise of the AI-RAN Alliance

In just one year, a group of 11 companies has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem of 75 members spread across 17 countries. The AI-RAN Alliance has seen its service provider count soar from two to seven in this short time.

Key Role of Alex Jinsung Choi

The Alliance’s president, Alex Jinsung Choi, who is also a prominent member of SoftBank Corp’s Advanced Technology Research Institute, highlighted in a briefing that the collective effort of the members is driving innovation at an unprecedented pace, enabling AI-RAN to “supercharge 5G and open RAN”.

He also noted that the alliance is laying the groundwork for future AI-native 6G networks.

Diverse and Growing Membership

The service provider members include major players like T-Mobile, SoftBank Corp, Globe Telecom, KT, and SK Telecom. The AI-RAN Alliance also includes:

  • 43 technology companies,
  • 15 academic institutions,
  • 6 industry associations, and
  • 4 laboratories.

The latest member, Tech Mahindra from India, is a global provider of technology consulting and digital services to businesses, joining the Alliance which has grown from nearly 50 members since November 2024.

Next Step: MWC25 Barcelona

Alex Jinsung Choi has also revealed some activities planned for the upcoming MWC25 Barcelona event. These include ten real-world demonstrations showcasing the transformative impact of AI on wireless networks. These demos will illustrate how AI enhances network efficiency, opens new revenue streams, and enables novel services.

Choi will join executives from founding members Nvidia and Samsung in a panel discussion on AI-driven RAN automation: Transforming Networks for a Smarter, More Efficient Future. This discussion is scheduled on March 5 from 14:30 to 15:15 at the Marconi stage, Hall 6 of Fira Gran Via, the venue for MWC25 Barcelona.

Founded during MWC Barcelona 2024 by major players such as Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung Electronics, Microsoft, SoftBank Corp, and T-Mobile US, the Alliance aims to conduct research on using AI to enhance RAN infrastructure efficiency, with a high priority on reducing energy consumption.

It includes three working groups: AI-for-RAN, AI-and-RAN, and AI-on-RAN, demonstrating the Alliance’s commitment to integrating AI at all levels of radio access networks.