Nokia is planning to introduce artificial intelligence-based radio access networks (AI-RAN) in India, with commercial deployments potentially beginning by 2028, as rising 5G data consumption and demand from hyperscale technology companies drive telecom infrastructure upgrades.

Nokia’s India business leader, Samar Mittal, told Business Standard that commercial deployments could begin in India alongside global markets. The proposed rollout signals the company’s strategy to integrate artificial intelligence more closely into radio network operations.

Radio access networks (RAN) connect mobile devices to telecommunications networks. AI-RAN incorporates artificial intelligence into this infrastructure, potentially changing how networks are managed and optimized. However, Nokia has not disclosed deployment locations, participating Indian telecom operators or specific commercial agreements.

The company’s plans follow investments from Nvidia, highlighting the growing convergence of telecommunications infrastructure and advanced computing technologies. The development could increase the role of specialized computing capabilities in next-generation mobile networks.

Nokia’s proposed timeline comes as India’s 5G ecosystem faces increasing demand for data capacity and connectivity from consumers, businesses and hyperscale technology companies. These requirements are prompting telecom equipment manufacturers to explore technologies that can support evolving network workloads.

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For telecom operators, adopting AI-RAN will depend on its integration with existing infrastructure, deployment costs and operational requirements. Nokia has not specified whether the technology will replace existing equipment or operate alongside current network systems.

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The potential rollout could also have implications for urban digital infrastructure. Cities increasingly depend on mobile connectivity to support businesses, digital public services and connected systems. However, the proposed deployment does not yet establish improvements in network coverage, reliability, affordability or citizen services.

Nokia has not announced specific Indian pilot projects, operator commitments or government programmes linked to the plan. The 2028 timeline should therefore be viewed as a prospective commercial target rather than a confirmed nationwide deployment schedule.

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The next milestones will include announcements of operator partnerships, pilot projects and commercial contracts. These developments will help determine how quickly AI-based radio networks enter India’s telecommunications market and what benefits they could deliver to businesses and urban communities.