BT is preparing to trial AI-powered radio access network technology, known as AI-RAN, on its live EE mobile network, taking an important step from successful laboratory testing into a real-world environment in order to explore how it could deliver faster, more reliable connectivity for customers.
Working with NVIDIA and Nokia, BT plans to bring its first AI-RAN sites online in Birmingham in 2027. The initial deployment will allow BT to assess whether encouraging performance seen under controlled laboratory conditions – Nokia has reported improvements of more than 20 per cent in spectral efficiency from its AI-RAN platform testing – can be replicated on a live network carrying customer traffic.
If successful, the technology could help customers benefit from faster data speeds, more consistent connections and a network that can respond more intelligently to changing levels of demand. By helping operators make more effective use of their existing spectrum, AI-RAN also has the potential to increase network capacity in busy locations without relying solely on additional infrastructure.
The trial will use NVIDIA Aerial RAN Computer alongside Nokia’s 5G software. BT will monitor a range of performance indicators, including network capacity, reliability and spectral efficiency, which is the amount of mobile traffic that can be carried using a given amount of spectrum.
While today’s RAN performance is managed through highly sophisticated software, AI-RAN goes a step further by integrating AI more deeply into the technology, allowing the network to process information and optimise radio performance in real time. In practical terms, this could help the network make better decisions about how capacity is allocated and how customers are connected, particularly in busy areas or when demand changes suddenly.
Reza Rahnama, Managing Director, Mobile Networks, BT, said: “Lab work has shown the potential of AI-RAN to improve how mobile networks perform, but the next important step is to understand how that translates into a live environment. This trial is about putting the technology through its paces on a working network and assessing the benefits it could ultimately deliver for customers, from greater reliability and capacity to a more consistent experience.”
Ronnie Vasishta, Senior Vice President of Telecommunications, NVIDIA, said: “AI-RAN opens a new path to improving mobile network capacity and customer experience by bringing intelligence directly into radio processing. BT’s work with NVIDIA and Nokia will take that potential onto a live network, exploring how accelerated computing can help operators use spectrum more efficiently and adapt to changing customer demand.”
Separately, BT is also working with NVIDIA and TCS to explore how AI Vision can help improve network field operations. AI agents are being developed to interpret photographs taken during site visits and assess whether equipment installations meet defined requirements. This could help BT identify issues earlier, improve installation consistency and reduce the need for repeat visits.
