Nvidia and SoftBank Test First AI and 5G Telecom Network
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Nvidia and SoftBank reached an exciting new chapter on November 12 during the Nvidia AI Summit in Japan, where Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, proudly shared news of their successful test of an AI-integrated 5G network system. This achievement follows their earlier work as part of the AI-RAN Alliance, established at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last February. Together, they are exploring ways to transform traditional base stations into powerful AI-enabled hubs, capable of generating revenue while maintaining high-speed 5G connectivity.
This joint network, named 5G AI-RAN, has the potential to turn the typical costs of base stations into profitable investments, allowing them to handle AI processing. During a recent trial in Kanagawa, Japan, SoftBank demonstrated how base stations equipped with Nvidia’s technology could handle both 5G traffic and AI workloads simultaneously, using spare network capacity. According to SoftBank, this network could unlock valuable, unused capacity, creating a possibility for telecom operators to earn around $5 for every $1 invested, with returns reaching 219% per server.
SoftBank Pioneers Nvidia’s Latest Blackwell Chips
In another highlight, Huang announced that SoftBank would be the first to integrate Nvidia’s new Grace Blackwell chips, aimed at powering Japan’s most advanced AI supercomputer. This supercomputer will support a wide range of AI needs, including developing generative AI applications. SoftBank also revealed its plan to launch an AI marketplace in Japan, using Nvidia’s AI Enterprise software to meet the country’s demand for secure, localized AI solutions, although specific launch dates were not given.
This marketplace will support various AI applications, from training models to edge inference, with potential uses spanning healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.
This partnership reflects Nvidia’s ongoing expansion into Asia. In August 2024, the company opened a major AI research and development center in Taiwan, and there’s anticipation around a significant investment announcement in Thailand next month.
The collaboration between Nvidia and SoftBank isn’t just about advancing technology; it’s about reshaping how we think about connectivity, creating a world where everyday infrastructure becomes a foundation for smarter, more innovative applications.
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